Green gram (Vigna radiata L.) as influenced by integrated nutrient management using organic sources

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during the summer season of 2024 at the Research Farm of Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, to assess the impact of various organic and inorganic nutrient sources nutrient sources on the growth and yield of green gram (Vigna radiata L.). The trial was designed using a randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments, including a T1- Control (no fertilizer), T2- 100% RDF (15:40:00 NPK), T3- 25% RDF + 75% N through vermicompost, T4- 50% RDF + 50% N through vermicompost, T5- 25% RDF + 75% N through poultry manure, T6- 50% RDF + 50% N through poultry manure, T7- 25% RDF + 75% N through farm yard manure, T8- 50% RDF + 50% N through farm yard manure. The results indicated that the application of 100% RDF (T2) produced significantly superior growth parameters, including maximum plant height (37.10 and 53.27 cm), number of leaves/plant (14.94 and 21.43), number of branches/plant (6.07 and 6.47) and dry matter accumulation/plant (4.48 and 16.30 g/plant) at 40 DAS and at harvest respectively. In terms of yield attributes100% RDF (T2) also recorded the highest values for pods/plant(20.02), seeds/pod(8.02), pod length (5.70 cm), seed yield (980 kg/ha) and stover yield (2746 kg/ha) at harvest. Economically, this treatment achieved highest gross returns of ₹83826/ha, net returns of ₹56530/ha, and B:C ratio of 3.07, indicating its effectiveness in enhancing productivity and profitability. However, the study also revealed that the treatment combining 50% RDF with 50% N through poultry manure (T6) produced statistically comparable results to 100% RDF. This suggests that 50% RDF with 50% N through poultry manure (T6) can serve as a sustainable alternative, reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers while maintaining optimal yield and improving soil health.