Response of Quinoa to Different Levels of Spacing and Fertilizer

Abstract

The field experiment conducted at the Centre for Crop Improvement, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, evaluated the response of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) to different spacing and fertilizer levels across multiple seasons (2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21). The result of the experiment indicated plant height at 30, 60 days after sowing (DAS), and at harvest was significantly highest in the S3 spacing treatment (22.5 cm x 15 cm). Similarly, the F3 fertilizer treatment (60-40-40 NPK kg/ha) resulted in significantly taller plants at these stages compared to other fertilizer levels. While spacing did not significantly affect inflorescence length and girth, treatment with F3 fertilizer (60-40-40 NPK kg/ha) notably increased these parameters compared to other fertilizer treatments. On a pooled basis, spacing treatment S1 (30 cm x 10 cm) significantly increased grain and straw yield. Likewise, fertilizer treatment F3 (60-40-40 NPK kg/ha) resulted in significantly higher grain and straw yield compared to other fertilizer levels. Spacing treatment S1 (30 cm x 10 cm) demonstrated the highest net return and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) in economic terms. Similarly, fertilizer treatment F3 (60-40-40 NPK kg/ha) showed the highest net return and BCR among the different fertilizer treatments. In conclusion, the experiment highlights that spacing S3 (22.5 cm x 15 cm) and fertilizer F3 (60-40-40 NPK kg/ha) are optimal for achieving maximum plant height, inflorescence development, grain and straw yield, as well as economic profitability in quinoa cultivation. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing productivity and economic viability in the cultivation of this promising pseudo-cereal crop.