Evaluation of Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata L.) accessions for green manuring traits and soil fertility improvement

Abstract

Dhaincha is an important green manuring crop having established significance since ancient times. Identification of a Dahincha variety with superior green manuring traits is needed in Telangana state. Ten accessions of Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata L.) were collected from different parts of India and characterized in Complete Randomised Block Design with three replications on the basis of the traits affecting green manuring and soil fertility status after incorporation at 45 DAS. Fresh weight (g/plant) was found to be significantly higher in NTPD 08 (56.3 g) followed by NTPD 04 (52.3 g), NTPD 10 (49.3 g) and NTPD 09 (48.3 g). Highest biomass on dry weight basis was observed in NTPD 09 (25.7 g), followed by NTPD 08 (24.3 g), NTPD 04 (23.0 g) and NTPD 01 (21.7 g). The maximum number of root nodules was found in NTPD 08 (79) and NTPD 04 (74). Highest reduction in soil pH recorded in NTPD 04 (3.3%), whereas, highest increase of Electrical conductivity of the Soil (dS/m) was recorded with NTPD 08 (18.18%). Increase in Organic carbon (OC) content (%) observed with NTPD 04 (11.8%) followed by NTPD 08 (11.1%). Similarly, increase in available nitrogen was highest in NTPD 08 (4.7%) followed by NTPD 04 (4.2%), available phosphorus (kg/ha) in NTPD 05 (3.3%) and NTPD 07 (3.3%) and available potassium (kg/ha) in NTPD 04 (4.9%) followed by NTPD 02 (4.8%). Study revealed NTPD 04 & NTPD 08 found superior for green manuring traits.