Integrated approach to enhanching cowpea yield, quality and nutrient composition using foliar supplements

Abstract

An agronomic study on cowpea yield, quality and nutrient composition impacted by foliar supplements was carried out in a field experiment at the College Farm, NM College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, during the 2021 kharif season. The experimental plot's soil had a clayey texture and an alkaline reaction. Eight treatment were tested in this experiment using a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that the T3 - foliar spray of 2% urea at 35 and 50 DAS significantly influenced all the cowpea yield and yield parameters, including pod length, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, and seed and haulm yield. It was statistically at par with T4 (foliar spray of Pulse Wonder fertilizer at 5 kg/ha) and T2 (foliar spray of 1% Novel). Protein content was significantly influenced by foliar spray of 2% of Urea at 35 and 50 DAS and it was found statistically at par with T4 and T2. Significant increased N content in seed and haulm were shown under foliar spray of 2% Urea. While Fe and Zn content found significantly highest under T5 (Foliar spray of chealated micronutrient Fe and Zn at 0.5% at 35 and 50 DAS). T3 recorded the highest net return of 46659 ₹/ha and greatest B: C ratio (2.97), which was followed by treatments T4 (2.71) and T2 (2.64). Based on the results of a year-long experiment, it can be concluded that full doses of RDF (20:40:00 NPK kg/ha) should be used to grow kharif cowpea, along with foliar sprays of 2% urea or 5% Pulse Wonder fertilizer or 1% Novel (Nauroji organic product) at 35 and 50 DAS to increase yield and financial returns.