Utilization of Eupatorium (Chromoleana odorata), an obnoxious weed as green leaf manure in enhancing rice productivity

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 2002 and 2003 at Agricultural Research Station (Paddy), Sirsi to know the effect of eupatorium as green leaf manure in combination with graded levels of inorganic fertilizers on rice yield and profitability. On an average over two years, application of 100 % recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) recorded maximum grain yield, straw yield and net returns followed by 50% RDF and no fertilizer which were differing significantly from one another. The grain yield recorded with application of eupatorium @ 10 t/ha (6735 kg/ha) was found to be on par with that of 20 t/ha (6929 kg/ha) and 15 t/ha (6915 kg/ha). The trend in net returns was almost similar to that of grain yield. Whereas, the straw yield recorded with eupatorium @ 10 t/ha (6205 kg/ha) was found to be on par with that of 15 t/ha (6130 kg/ha) only. The data on interaction indicates that the grain yield and net returns recorded with combination of eupatorium @ 20 t/ha + 100% RDF, eupatorium @ 15 t/ha + 100% RDF, eupatorium @ 10 t/ha + 100% RDF, eupatorium @ 10 t/ha + 50% RDF and eupatorium @ 15 t/ha + 50% RDF.