author(s)
Kumar Lamani, G Somanagouda and SR Salakinkop

abstract
A field experiment was conducted to study the Influence of soil moisture conservation practices and planting geometry on growth, yield and economics of safflower under northern dry zone (Zone-3) of Karnataka during Rabi, 2017-18 at ARS Annigeri, UAS, The treatments were replicated thrice in split-plot design. The main plot treatments consisted of soil moisture conservation practices (Flat bed, compartment bunding and tied ridge) and sub plot treatments consisted of planting geometry (S1-45 cm 20 cm, S2- 60 cm  15 cm, S3- 60 cm  20 cm and S-4 60 cm  30 cm).Maximum seed yield, stalk yield and test weight of safflower was recorded with tied ridges (1,061 kg/ha, 2,895 kg/ha and 7.55 g respectively). Sowing of safflower at spacing of 45 cm 20 cm recorded significantly higher seed yield (1,093 kg/ha) and stalk yield (2,961 kg/ha) and the growth parameters viz., total dry matter production (108.67), plant height (72.44 cm), number of primary branches per plant (16.33) and number of secondary branches per plant (31.89) at harvest with same planting geometry. The economic analysis of the system revealed that significantly higher gross returns ( 29,708/ha), net returns ( 12,996/ha) and B-C ratio (1.79) was recorded with tied ridges. Among the different spacing, 45 cm  20 cm recorded significantly higher gross returns ( 30,616/ha) net returns ( 14,216/ha) and B-C ratio (1.87).The tied ridge and planting geometry of 45 cm  20 cm found significantly superior in improving growth and yield of safflower.