Fertilization Levels On Yield, Quality, Nutrient Uptake and Use Efficiency of Pigeon Pea [Cajanus Cajana (L.)] Varieties in Alfisols of Karnataka, India.

Pigeon pea is an annual legume source of dietary protein of Indians. The poor yield levels in starved rainfed Alfisols is due to poor rainfed production technologies. Field trials were conducted in 2006 and 2007 with an objective to improve pigeon pea yield and to develop nutrient management guidelines for pigeon pea to optimize fertilizer requirement in rainfed Alfisols.Experimental sites were located at dry land research center, Bangalore (12⁰58’N, 77⁰35’E, 930m) and at farmers field (77^o 52’ E 13^o 39’ N, 694 m). Two maturity contrasting varieties (TTB-7 and BRG-2) of pigeon pea were tested in main plots and seventeen NPK with or without Zn and S combinations in sub-plots and replicated thrice at both the locations. Soils were analysed for nutrient concentration before and after experimentation and yield was targeted (4t/ha) based on genetic potential and soil nutrient supply status. Across years and locations pigeon pea variety BRG-2 was out yielded (11%) over TTB-7. Targeted yield based fertilization to BRG-2 gave higher grain yield (49%) over normal, 150% and 200% of recommended NPK further it enhanced with zinc and sulphur application. Significant difference in seed nutrient concentration with fertilization resulted in improved crude protein content and seed vigor index over blanket application. The Agronomic efficiency of applied fertilizer was lower with N and higher in PK by targeted yield approach. Results proposed that fertilization based on targeted yield approach enhanced the pigeon pea grain yield, nutrient uptake and efficiency. Further, validation at lower target yield under rainfed is necessary to reduce fertilizer volume with higher economic returns.