Abstract
A field experiment was conducted during the monsoon seasons of 1995-96 and 1996-97 to assess the effect of different agronomic practices on dry matter (DM) production and accumulation and yield of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea L.) when grown as an intercrop in a coconut garden. Dry matter production, accumulation, and fresh rhizome yield did not differ significantly at 15-20 g or 25-30 g sizes. The total DM production per plant was significantly higher at 111 000 ha-1 but the fresh rhizome yield was on par at 166 000 ha-1. Among organic manures, the total DM production was higher under farmyard manure (FYM) + NPK which resulted in higher fresh rhizome yield. Vermicompost at both the levels also recorded significantly higher yield compared with FYM and composted coir pith applied alone, and NPK alone. Dry matter production and yield were significantly lower under the control treatment.
