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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp9 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Optimisation of Epan-based drip irrigation and nitrogen-potassium fertigation for enhancing yield, water productivity and profitability of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.15312
Submitted
28 April 2026
Published
22-10-2026

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2023–24 and 2024–25 at the College Farm, Rajendranagar, Telangana, India, to evaluate the effects of drip irrigation regimes and nitrogen and potassium (NK) fertigation levels on yield, water productivity and economics of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three irrigation levels based on pan evaporation (Epan) (0.75, 1.0 and 1.25) in main plots and four fertigation levels (75 %, 100 %, 125 % and 150 % of recommended dose of nitrogen and potassium) in subplots, replicated thrice. Results revealed that irrigation at 1.0 Epan significantly improved yield attributes and recorded higher fresh flower yield (6558 and 6481 kg ha-1 during 2023 and 2024, respectively) compared to deficit irrigation (0.75 Epan). However, higher irrigation (1.25 Epan) showed variable response across seasons. Among fertigation levels, application of 100 % recommended dose of N and K (RDNK) resulted in superior yield and was statistically at par with 125 % RDNK, while further increase did not enhance productivity. Water use efficiency was highest under 0.75 Epan, indicating a trade-off between water saving and yield maximisation. Economic analysis indicated that 1.0 Epan irrigation recorded the highest net returns and benefit cost ratio, while 100 % RDNK fertigation achieved the highest benefit cost ratio. The study demonstrates that drip irrigation at 1.0 Epan combined with 100 % RDNK fertigation is the most efficient strategy for maximising productivity, resource-use efficiency and profitability of marigold under semi-arid conditions.

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