Influence of different levels of inorganic fertilizers and biochar on soil health parameters and yield of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Var. Kohinoor

Abstract

A trial was during Kharif season (July 2023 – September 2023) on central research farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three levels of NPK (0%, 50% and 100%) and three levels of Biochar (0%, 50% and 100%) on the topic “Influence of different levels of Inorganic fertilizers and biochar on soil health parameters and yield of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) var. Kohinoor”. The result shows that application of different levels combination of NPK and Biochar increased growth, yield of cluster bean and improved soil physical and chemical properties. It was recorded from the application of NPK and Biochar in treatment T9 - [NPK @ 100% + Biochar @ 100%] shows minimum bulk density 1.184 Mg m-3 and 1.207 Mg m-3, particle density 2.127 Mg m3 and 2.145 Mg m-3, pH 6.72 and 6.76 and maximum percent pore space 44.34% and 43.73%, water holding capacity 48.26% and 47.71%, EC 0.264 dS m- 1 and 0.232 dS m-1, organic carbon 0.62% and 0.60%, available nitrogen 309.76 kg ha-1 and 305.56 kg ha-1, available phosphorus 25.55 kg ha1 and 24.82 kg ha-1, available potassium 197.89 kg ha-1 and 194.03 kg ha-1 at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm respectively in all treatments. It was observed that for post-harvest T9 was best in terms of growth, yield and economic parameters with maximum plant height, number of leaves plant-1, number of branch plant-1, pod yield and maximum cost benefit ratio of 1:2.31.