Effect of different levels of nitrogen and phosphorous on yield attributes and economics of kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees)

A field experiment at Kitturu Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi, assessed the impact of different levels of nitrogen and phosphorous on yield attributes and economics of kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.) in the northern dry zone of Karnataka during 2019-2020. With twelve treatments replicated thrice in Factorial Randomized Complete Block design (FRCBD). The maximum fresh and dry weight of leaves (24.17 & 8.29 g), fresh and dry weight of stem (29.47 & 11.29 g), fresh and dry weight of herb plant^-1 (53.65 & 19.58 g), fresh and dry weight of herb plot^-1(5.36 & 1.96 kg) and fresh and dry weight of herb ha^-1 (7.63 & 4.35 t ha^-1) were recorded with the application of nitrogen at 125 kg ha^-1 (N₄) along with application of phosphorous at 50 kg ha^-1 (P₂) treatment combination (N₄P₂). Further, the higher net return (126984.85 & 170277.44 Rs. per ha during 2019 and 2020, respectively) and B:C ratio (2.82 & 3.19 during 2019 and 2020, respectively) was found with the application of nitrogen at 125 kg ha^-1 (N₄) along with application of phosphorous at 50 kg ha^-1 (P₂) treatment combination (N₄P₂). These findings highlight the positive influence of nitrogen and phosphorous nutrition on Kalmegh, offering valuable insights for agricultural practices in similar agro-ecological contexts and enriching our understanding of nutrient management in horticulture.