Effect of plant density and nutrient levels on yield in cardamom

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted over a period of five years to understand the tillering pattern and yield in cardamom as influenced by various nutrient combination levels and planting densities. At 22 and 45 months after planting, the bearing, non-bearing and total number of tillers showed significant differences due to nutritional as well as planting density levels. Increased level of nutrient combination improved the tillering and yield whereas increased planting density depressed the tillering but increased yield. The interaction effect of these two factors also caused significant differences in tillering. A nutrient combination level of 150:75:300 kg N:P,O5:K,O per ha and planting density of 5000 plants per ha at 2 m x 1 m were found to be ideal for optimum tillering and yield in cardamom.