Integrated Use of Organic Manures and Sulphur for Improving Soil Fertility, Yield and Economics of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under Semi-Arid Conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2024-25 at Agricultural Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur (Rajasthan) to evaluate the effect of organic manures and sulphur on growth, yield, soil fertility, and economics of crop production. The treatments included combinations of vermicompost (2.5 t ha⁻¹), farmyard manure (10 t ha⁻¹),), and sulphur (0, 10, and 20 kg ha⁻¹). Results revealed that the application of vermicompost (2.5 t ha⁻¹) + sulphur (20 kg ha⁻¹) (T8) significantly improved plant height (119.36 cm), number of capsules per plant (69.52), seeds per capsule (60.68), test weight (3.25 g), and grain yield (885.36 kg ha⁻¹). This treatment also resulted in enhanced soil organic carbon (0.48%), available N (164.36 kg ha⁻¹), P (16.85 kg ha⁻¹), K (199.32 kg ha⁻¹), and S (12.36 kg ha⁻¹), along with reduced bulk density (1.31 Mg m⁻³). Economically, T8 recorded the highest net return (₹44,409 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.12). The study concludes that the integrated use of vermicompost and sulphur is a viable strategy for improving crop productivity, soil health, and farm profitability under sustainable agricultural practices.