Effects of Varying Nitrogen Levels and Row Spacing on Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare mill.) Growth and Seed Yield

Abstract

The climatic conditions in Haryana are favorable for fennel cultivation but it is cultivated only in a limited area due to lack of awareness and knowledge among farmers about the cultural practice and nutrient requirement for effective cultivation. Therefore, the current investigation was carried out during the Rabi season of 2021–2022 at research area, Department of Vegetable Science, CCSHAU, Hisar with four levels of N (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg∙ha–1) and three types of rows to row spacing (30 × 20, 45 × 20 and 60 × 20 cm). Sowing of crop variety “HF-143” was done on 30th October 2021 in factorial RBD and harvesting on 10th May, 2022. Three replications of each treatment were used to record the characteristics of vegetative growth and yield of seeds (per plot & hectare). Results of the study revealed that 75 kg∙ha−1 nitrogen dose with 60 × 20 cm spacing was well suited for vegetative growth except for plant height that was best in 30 × 20 cm spacing. The yield attributes were also found highest at 75 kg∙ha–1 nitrogen with 60 × 20 cm spacing and observed to be statically at par with 30 × 20 with 50 kg∙ha–1 nitrogen and 45 × 20 cm spacing. The largest reported yield of seed is at 75 kg∙ha–1 nitrogen with a spacing of 45 × 20 cm. With the same spacing, this was statistically at par to 50 kg∙ha–1 nitrogen dose. The result of this study can further be used to obtain sustainable yield with optimum use of fertilizers to sustain soil health.