Cost economics of different fertigation regimes on yield and BCR of ginger (Zingiber officinale) Cultivars in eastern dry zone of Karnataka 

Abstract:

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the cost economics of different fertigation regimes on two ginger cultivars, Rio-de-Janeiro and Himachal, under the eastern dry zone of Karnataka. Eleven nutrient management treatments comprising varying levels of recommended dose of fertilizers through soil application, fertigation, and integration with biofertilizers were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included 50 to 200% recommended dose of fertilizers applied through fertigation, in combination with farm yard manure, neem cake, and beneficial microbial inoculants. Economic analysis was carried out by computing total cost of cultivation, gross return, net return, and benefit cost ratio. The total cost of cultivation ranged from Rs. 103325 to Rs. 114625 per hectare depending on the treatment. The highest cost was recorded under 200% recommended dose of fertilizers through fertigation. However, this treatment also produced the highest fresh rhizome yield and maximum benefit cost ratio in both cultivars. In Rio-de-Janeiro, the highest benefit cost ratio was 1.95, while in Himachal it was 2.58 under 200% recommended dose of fertilizers through fertigation. The lowest benefit cost ratio was recorded under 100% recommended dose of fertilizers applied through conventional soil application. The results indicated that higher fertilizer doses through fertigation significantly enhanced yield and profitability despite increasing input costs. Integrated nutrient management with biofertilizers also improved economic returns compared to conventional fertilization. The study demonstrates that optimized fertigation strategies can substantially enhance productivity and profitability of ginger cultivation under dry zone conditions.