Effect of Organic Manure on the Growth Performance of Chia Plant (Salvia hispanica L.) under Eucalyptus-based Agroforestry System

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2023–24 at the Herbal Garden of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.), to evaluate the impact of various organic treatments on plant growth and productivity parameters. The study assessed plant height, number of inflorescences, number of leaves, leaf dimensions, collar diameter, dry weight, and seed weight under eight treatment combinations: T1 (FYM), T2 (Vermicompost), T3 (Goat Manure), T4 (Vermicompost + FYM), T5 (Vermicompost + Goat Manure), T6 (FYM + Goat Manure), T7 (Vermicompost + FYM + Goat Manure), and T8 (Control). Among the treatments, T3 (Goat Manure) significantly outperformed others in plant height (106.43 cm), dry weight (22.12 g), and seed weight (7.03 g). T5 (Vermicompost + Goat Manure) showed notable increases in the number of leaves (49.33), inflorescences (17.00), and seed weight (5.60 g). The control treatment (T8) recorded the lowest values across all measured traits. The findings highlight the superior performance of goat manure and its combinations in enhancing plant growth and yield, suggesting a sustainable and effective approach for improving crop productivity through organic amendments.