Abstract:A field experiment was conducted at, 21° 10 North latitude and 79° 19 East longitudes with a subtropical climate. The soil was black in colour, fairly deep, well drained clayey in texture, low in nitrogen, low in available phosphorus, high in available potash and low available in sulphur and alkaline in reaction. The experiment was designed in randomised block design with three replications and twelve treatments i.e. 100% RDF (25:50:00 kg ha
-1) (T
1), 125% RDF (31.5:62:5:00 kg ha
-1) (T
2), 150% RDF (37.5:75:00 kg ha
-1) (T
3), 100% RDF + 10 kg S ha
-1 (T
4), 125%RDF + 10 kg S ha
-1 (T
5), 150% RDF + 10 kg S ha
-1 (T
6), 100% RDF + 20 kg S ha
-1 (T
7), 125% RDF + 20 kg S ha
-1 (T
8), 150% RDF + 20 kg S ha
-1 (T
9), 100% RDF + 30 kg S ha
-1 (T
10), 125% RDF + 30 kg S ha
-1 (T
11), 150% RDF + 30 kg S ha
-1 (T
12). Pigeonpea variety PKV-Tara was used as test crop.
The seeds pod, seed yield kg ha-1, straw yield kg ha-1, and harvest index were significantly influenced by fertilizer application. Maximum value of growth and yield contributing character were recorded with application of 150% RDF + 30 kg S ha-1 and it was at par with 125% RDF + 30 kg S ha-1 with also 100% RDF + 30 kg S ha-1. Highest values of seed yield kg ha-1, straw yield kg ha-1, harvest index was recorded with 150% RDF + 30 kg S ha-1. Nutrient uptake by crop was increased significantly with increase in levels of sulphur as well as recommended dose of fertilizer. Total uptake of nutrients significantly more with application of 150% RDF + 30 kg S ha-1. Application of 150% RDF + 30 kg S ha-1 was significantly beneficial for gross monetary returns (Rs 122535 ha-1), net monetary returns (Rs 81485 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.8).