Effect of Diverse Nutrient Sources and Liquid Organic Manures on Growth Parameters, Weed Count, Weed Dry Weight and Quality Parameters of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), often referred as the "Queen of Oilseeds," is one of the oldest cultivated oilseed crops known for its high oil (50-52%) and protein (17-19%) content, along with carbohydrates and essential fatty acids (Kahyaoglu and Kaya, 2006). Sesame oil, popularly termed as "poor man’sghee," is highly nutritious and holds several health benefits. The seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc, antioxidants like sesamin and sesamol and vitamin E, which support heart health, digestion, skin and bone strength. Sesame is versatile in its use as it can be consumed raw, roasted or processed into oil, tahini and it can be used in cosmetics and ayurvedic medicine. In India, sesame is cultivated in an area of 15.31 lakh hectares with a production of 8.47 lakh tonnes and productivity of 553 kg ha-1. However, in Andhra Pradesh, despite its significance, productivity remains low at 376 kg ha-1 due to poor soil fertility, minimal inputs and suboptimal agronomic practices (Indiastat, 2023-2024). Rabi sesame, predominantly grown in the north coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, often receives only one or two irrigations, making foliar nutrient application more practical than soil fertilization. The limited attention to crop nutrition has contributed to consistently low yields.

Conventional sesame farming relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers, which, though effective in the short term but adversely affect soil health, microbial diversity and the environment. As sesame is particularly sensitive to nutrient imbalances, sustainable alternatives are crucial. Organic nutrient management offers a promising approach by enhancing soil organic matter, microbial activity and overall fertility while reducing environmental harm. Additionally, organically grown sesame is gaining international demand due to consumer preference for eco-friendly and chemical-free produce. Organic inputs like press mud cake, a byproduct rich in nutrients and organic matter, improve soil structure, water retention and microbial activity. Similarly, vermicompost is rich in plant growth regulators from microbial-earthworm interactions, has been shown to enhance plant growth, flowering and yields (Arancon and Edwards, 2009; Jayashree et al., 2011). Biofertilizers, through phytohormone production and nutrient mobilization, further aid in plant development in an eco-friendly way. Foliar applications of liquid organic manures also playa critical role in boosting crop performance. Jeevamrut, Panchgavya and Vermiwash are effective natural formulations rich in nutrients, beneficial microbes and plant hormones. Jeevamrut improves nutrient availability and soil microbial activity, which boosts sesame growth and yield. Its application produces a healthy, biologically active rhizosphere that increases plant vigor, oil content and seed quality. Panchgavya, for instance, supplies key macro and micronutrients along with microbial inoculants like Azotobacter and phosphobacteria (Praneeth et al., 2021), while vermiwash contains bioactive compounds and microbial enzymes that stimulate plant metabolism and nutrient uptake. In this context, integrating soil-applied organic and inorganic nutrient sources with foliar sprays of liquid organic manures may serve as an effective strategy to improve the growth, yield and profitability of rabi sesame, particularly under low-input conditions.