Complementary Effect of Nano-Urea on the Performance of Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) under Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka

The present investigation was under taken to enhance the nitrogen use efficiency of applied conventional nitrogen fertilizer and to reduce the cost of cultivation so as to harness the better foliage yields of geranium. The recommended dose of nitrogen, 210 kg/ha is applied in six equal split doses at an interval of two months while, phosphorus and potassium as a single basal dose for geranium. The hypothesis of reducing the nitrogen dosage of conventional fertilizer through the complimentary spraying of nano-urea was tested during the Rabi season of 2022-23. Soil application of 50 per cent RDN (105 kg N/ha) through neem coated urea in three equal split doses and three sprays of nano-urea (150 g N/ha) at two months interval alternatively along with soil application of recommended doses of FYM (10 t/ha), P (35 kg P2O5/ha) and K (35 kg K2O/ha) had produced superior growth attributes (plant height, number of leaves, branches and plant spread) at different stages of geranium growth in main as well as ratoon crops. The yield attributes such as fresh herbage yields of 22.30 and 32.89 t/ha, dry herbage yields of 5.33 and 8.21 t/ha and essential oil yields of 92.23 and 129.82 kg/ha in main and ratoon crops, respectively were significantly high in this treatment and realized highest net returns of Rs.14, 59, 453 per ha with a cost benefit ratio of 2.25.