Optimizing primary nutrients for enhanced performance of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) varieties

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out at research farm of Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, during the summer season of 2023-24. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The experiment involved two factors which is (Factor A) eight nutrient combinations and (Factor B) two mung bean varieties. Factor A consisted of the following N:P:K fertilizer levels (kg/ha): F1 - 15:40:00, F2 - 15:40:20, F3 - 15:50:00, F4 - 15:50:20, F5 - 20:40:00, F6 - 20:40:20, F7 - 20:50:00, and F8 - 20:50:20. Factor B included two different mung bean varieties V1 - MH 1142 and V2 - MH 421. The required amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were applied to each plot separately based on the treatment schedule as a basal application before sowing. The results revealed that significantly higher plant height (51.47 cm), number of leaves/plant(27.72), dry matter accumulation (14.73 g/plant), pods/plant (22.53), seeds/pod (10.60), pod length (8.18 cm), seed yield (1090 kg/ha) and stover yield (2480 kg/ha) were recorded with the application of 20:50:20 kg/ha N:P:K (F8) which was found statistically at par with application of 15:50:20 kg/ha N:P:K (F4) and 20:40:20 kg/ha N:P:K (F6). Further, the application of 20:50:20 kg/ha N:P:K (F8) recorded superior relative economics in terms of gross returns (₹93282/ha), net returns (₹60245/ha) and B:C (2.82) which was closely followed by 15:50:20 kg/ha N:P:K (F4) and 20:40:20 kg/ha N:P:K (F6) application. Therefore, it can be concluded that application of higher dose of primary macro nutrients resulted in higher productivity and profitability of mung bean.