Identification of Suitable Row Spacing, Seeding Rate and Sowing Technique of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) under Saline Soil

Agronomic practices are foremost requisite when a new crop is introduced in new agro-ecological regions. Quinoa is new crop in Indian climate and its agronomic practices are need to be standardized. We conducted two field experiments to standardize the row spacing, seed rate and sowing techniques in saline soil. The first field experiment involved 2 quinoa accessions (EC507740 and CSQ2), 2 row spacing (30 cm and 45 cm) and 3 seeding density (6, 8 and 10 kg ha-1) arranged in Factorial Randomizes Block Design. Results showed that both the accessions gave statistically on par grain yield. Row spacing of 45 cm was better in individual plant performance but the grain yield ha-1 was obtained significantly higher with sowing in 30 cm row spacing giving 34.67% yield advantage. Seeding rate of 8 kg ha-1 (3.63 MG ha-1) being on par with 10 kg ha-1 (3.74 Mg ha-1) gave significantly highest grain yield of quinoa over 6 kg ha-1 seeding rate. The second experiment was comprised of 6 sowing methods viz., T1: broadcasting of seeds in standing water; T2: broadcasting and mixing of seeds in dry soil followed by irrigation; T3: line sowing (1-2 cm depth) in dry soil followed by irrigation; T4: broadcasting of seeds in moist soil followed by irrigation within week; T5: Line sowing (1-2 cm depth) of pre-soaked seeds in moist soil followed by light irrigation within week and T6: Line sowing (1-2 cm depth) of pre-soaked seeds in moist soil in Randomized Block Design. Results showed that treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 gave significantly higher % emergence of seedlings in plots compared to that of T5 and T6. As a result of good emergence and stands, these treatments gave higher NDVI values and grain yield over T5 and T6 treatments in saline soil.