Influence of Spacing and Fertilizer Levels on Yield, Economic Returns, Leaf Nutrient Composition and Soil Nutrient Status in Daisy (Aster amellus L.) cv. Purple Multipetal

Abstract

Investigations were carried out at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Kittur Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi, under the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, during the year 2023–24. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and included three spacing levels (30 × 20 cm, 30 × 30 cm, and 40 × 30 cm) and three fertilizer levels: F1 (105:131.25:112.5 NPK kg/ha), F2 (140:175:150 NPK kg/ha), and F3 (175:218.75:187.5 NPK kg/ha). The highest fertilizer level (F3) recorded the maximum values for yield parameters, available soil nutrients, and leaf nutrient status (N, P₂O₅, and K₂O). Among the spacing levels, the optimum spacing (S3: 40 × 30 cm) resulted in the highest yield per plant and per hectare, along with better available soil and leaf nutrient status. In terms of treatment combinations, the S3F3 treatment (40 × 30 cm spacing with 175:218.75:187.5 NPK kg/ha) recorded the highest yield per plant and per hectare, as well as improved soil and leaf nutrient levels, whereas the highest yield per plot was recorded in the S1F3 combination. The highest gross and net returns, along with the maximum benefit-cost ratio of 2.54, were also obtained in the S3F3 treatment combination.