Response of paira linseed to supplemental foliar application of water-soluble fertilizers under foothill rainfed conditions of Nagaland

Aim: The study aimed to assess foliar fertilization as a resource-efficient method to improve the yield of paira linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) under foothill rainfed conditions. Methodology: Field trials were conducted during 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 rabi seasons to study the performance of paira linseed with supplemental application of water-soluble fertilizers under rainfed conditions. Eight (8) foliar spray treatments viz., twice spray each of water spray (control), 1% NPK 19:19:19, 1% NPK 13:0:45, 2% Urea, 0.5% ZnSO4, 1% NPK 19:19:19 with 0.5% ZnSO4, 1% NPK 13:0:45 with 0.5% ZnSO4, and 2% Urea with 0.5% ZnSO4 were tested at the experimental farm of SAS, Medziphema campus, Nagaland. Results: The maximum seed yield was obtained with the combined application of 1% NPK 13:0:45 with 0.5% ZnSO4, which was significantly higher than other treatments, except for the combined application of 1% NPK 19:19:19 with 0.5% ZnSO4. The highest benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 2.33 was obtained with twice spray of 1% NPK 13:0:45 with 0.5% ZnSO4. Interpretation: Supplementing the recommended nitrogen dose with combined foliar sprays of water-soluble fertilizers at vegetative and reproductive stages significantly enhanced the key physiological processes of paira linseed, highlighting its potential for increasing oilseed production under low-input rainfed conditions. Key words: Growth, Linseed, Paira, Rainfed, Water-soluble fertilizers