A. Kumar et al., EFFECT OF IRRIGATION AND NITROGEN ON GROWTH-YIELD, OIL CONTENT, NITROGEN UPTAKE AND WATER-USE OF SUMMER SESAME (SESAMUM-INDICUM), Indian Journal of Agronomy, 41(1), 1996, pp. 111-115
In a 2-year study at Pusa, maximum average yield (2.81 q/ha) of summer
sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) was recorded with 3 irrigations each of 6
cm at IW : CPE of 0.7. Further reduction in frequency of irrigation t
o 1 or 2 based on IW : CPE or days after sowing resulted in a signific
ant reduction in seed yield. The yield was minimum (1.78 q/ha) under t
he rainfed control. Among levels of nitrogen, significant increase in
yield was recorded up to 90 kg N/ha (2.61 q/ha). A significant increas
e in leaf-area index (LAI), number of capsules/plant and 1,000-grain w
eight was recorded up to 2 irrigation. For LAI response to nitrogen wa
s noticed up to 90 kg N/ha, whereas for number of capsules/ plant and
1,000-seed weight increased only up to 30 kg N/ha. Maximum oil (%) was
recorded with 2 irrigations and at 30 kg N/ha. Higher N levels depres
sed oil (%) in sesame. Nitrogen uptake by plants increased significant
ly up to 3 irrigations and 90 kg N/ha. A major part of soil-moisture d
epletion was recorded from 0-60 cm profile layer. In deeper layer (60-
90 cm) depletion was more in drier regimes than in wet ones.