Influence of inorganic fertilizers, neem cake and rhizobium on soil health and yield attributes of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) Var. PDM-139 (Samrat)

Abstract

In the Zaid season of 2023, researchers at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, Prayagraj, conducted a field experiment titled “Influence of Inorganic Fertilizers, Neem Cake, And Rhizobium on Soil Health and Yield Attributes of Green Gram (Vigna Radiata L.).” Experiment9 treatments [T1 = Absolute Control, T2 = @ 0% NPK + @ 50% RZ (Seed inoculants) + @ 50% NC, T3 = @ 0% NPK + @ 100% RZ + @ 100% NC, T4 = @ 50% NPK + @ 0% RZ + @ 50% NC, T5 = @ 50% NPK + 50% RZ + 50% NC, T6 = @ 50% NPK + @ 100% RZ + @ 100% NC, T7 = @ 100% NPK + @ 0% RZ + @ 0% NC, T8 = @ 100% NPK + @ 50% RZ + @ 50% NC, and T9 = @ 100% NPK + @ 100% RZ + @ 100% NC], were arranged using three replications in a Randomized Block Design (R.B.D.). The findings indicate significant variations among the treatments, with Treatment T9 consistently outperforming the others. T9 exhibited improved soil structure, characterized by a high organic carbon content of 0.436%, a pore space of 44.55%, and a water retention capacity of 41.43%. There was a slight change in bulk density (1.299 Mg m-3), particle density (2.461 Mg m-3), pH (7.22), and E.C. (0.251 dS m-1) in T9. The nutritional availability was also higher in T9, with increased amounts of available nitrogen (284.61 kg ha-1), phosphorus (17.05 kg ha-1), and potassium (158.13 kg ha-1). Furthermore, T9 significantly improved crop yield attributes, including a pod length of 10.19 cm, a pod yield of 11.98 q ha-1, and a seed count per pod of 8.19. These results underscore the effectiveness of integrated nutrient approaches in improving soil fertility and promoting sustainable crop yield.