Abstract

The present study investigates the effect of soil physico-chemical properties on the growth and productivity of Niger (Guizotia abyssinica L.) under semi-arid conditions of Rohtas district, Bihar. Field experiments were conducted during the 2024 kharif season across three representative sites Dehri, Sasaram, and Nokha characterized by variations in soil texture, fertility, and moisture retention. Composite soil samples (0–15 cm depth) were analyzed for key parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn). Crop growth observations such as plant height, leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll content, and yield attributes were recorded at different growth stages. The soils ranged from sandy loam to clay loam with pH 6.2–7.4, organic carbon 0.38–0.68%, and available nitrogen 230–310 kg ha?¹. Seed yield varied significantly among sites (520–760 kg ha?¹), showing strong positive correlations with organic carbon (r = 0.87**) and available nitrogen (r = 0.81**). Regression analysis indicated that organic carbon and nitrogen together explained 82% of yield variation (R² = 0.82). Slightly acidic to neutral soils favored higher growth and chlorophyll accumulation, while alkaline conditions (>7.2 pH) reduced nutrient uptake and productivity. The study concludes that organic matter enrichment and balanced NPK management are crucial for optimizing Niger yield in semi-arid soils. Adoption of site-specific nutrient management, integration of organic amendments, and monitoring of soil health parameters can substantially enhance sustainability and profitability of Niger cultivation in eastern India. These findings provide a scientific basis for improving oilseed production in marginal and resource-constrained agro-ecosystems.

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