Optimization of Spacing and Fertilizer Levels on Growth, Yield Parameters and Yield of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season-2019 at Agricultural Research Station, Chintamani, Karnataka. The experiment consisted of four levels of spacing (45 × 15, 45 × 30, 60 × 15, and 60 × 30 cm) and three levels of fertilizer (40:20:20, 60:40:40 and 80:60:60 kg NPK ha-1) to determine the influence of different spacing and fertilizer levels on growth and yield of chia (Salvia hispanica L). The experiment was arranged in a statistical design of Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (FRCBD) with three replications. The report of the study indicated that among different spacings, 60 × 30 cm was recorded a significantly higher number of leaves plant-1 (108), a number of primary and secondary branches plant-1 (22.38 and 27.69, respectively), Dry matter accumulation plant-1 (146.09 g) and seed yield (1015 kg ha-1) however, spacing of 45 cm × 15 cm produced significantly superior plant height (125.57 cm). Among different fertilizer levels, the application dose of 80:60:60 kg NPK ha-1 recorded significantly higher plant height (125.59 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (103.67), number of primary and secondary branches plant-1 (22.47 and 27.63, respectively), Dry matter accumulation plant-1 (131.47 g), seed yield (1020 kg ha-1). Significantly higher seed yield (1122 kg ha-1) was obtained in the treatment combination of 60 × 30 cm with 80:60:60 kg NPK ha-1 compared to other treatments.