Response of Rabi Castor (Ricinus communis L.)

The productivity of castor following rabi short duration crop is lower. However, it can be enhanced through suitable agronomic practices. Among the different agronomic practices nutrient management and plant geometry play crucial role for achieving higher yield per unit area. Effect of plant population on yield is considerable as proper inter and intra spacing provides sufficient interception of sunlight and satisfactory absorption of nutrients and water from the soil, subsequently resulted in higher seed yield. Fertilizer is a key component of modern crop production technologies. The application of fertilizer is essential for increasing crop yields and farmers income even when crops are grown without irrigation under rainfed or in dryland condition. Each essential nutrient has certain specific function to perform in the plant and one element can't substitute for another.