Crop growth indices and yield as influenced by different agronomic practices in chia (Salvia hispanica L.)

A study was carried out to check the performance of chia under different agronomic practices at ZARS, V. C. Farm, Mandya, Karnataka for a period of two years (2020 and 2021). The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial design (three replications). The row spacing of 45 × 15 cm² recorded higher seed yield (843 kg/ha), NAR (8.26 g/cm²/day × 10^-4) at 30 – 60 DAS, CGR (6.73, 14.28 and 26.58 g/cm²/day, respectively at 0 – 30, 30 – 60 and 60 – 90 DAS), SLA (59.02, 50.76 and 54.25 cm²/g, respectively at 30, 60 and 90 DAS) and quality parameters viz. crude protein, oil, zinc and iron content (22.62%, 30.02%, 3.65 mg 100 g^-1 and 6.27 mg 100 g^-1, respectively). While 60 × 15 cm² obtained higher NAR (7.13 g/cm²/day × 10^-4) at 60 – 90 DAS and LPR (1.2206, 2.5946 and 1.9364 leaf/day, respectively). The application of 100% N equivalent through compost and jeevamrutha at sowing and 30 DAS recorded superior seed yield (972 kg/ha), NAR (8.50 g/cm²/day × 10^-4 at 30 – 60 DAS), CGR (7.44, 14.12 and 26.01 g/cm²/day, respectively at 0 – 30, 30 – 60 and 60 – 90 DAS), LPR (1.3911, 2.7477 and 2.2612 leaf/day, respectively) and quality parameters (23.42%, 31.47%, 3.94 mg 100 g^-1 and 6.97 mg 100 g^-1, respectively), while 75% N equivalent through compost and jeevamrutha at sowing and 30 DAS noted higher NAR at 60 – 90 DAS (7.46 g/cm²/day × 10^-4). Whereas, 75% N equivalent through compost registered higher SLA (69.47, 59.29 and 60.65 cm²/g, respectively at 30, 60 and 90 DAS). Interaction effect was found non-significant.