Influence of farmyard manure (FYM) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on soil properties, growth attributes and yield of black gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Abstract

The research endeavor sought to evaluate the influence of farmyard manure (FYM) and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on soil characteristics, growth parameters, and yield of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) throughout the 2024 Kharif agricultural season at Mewar University, Rajasthan. A randomized block design (RBD) was utilized, incorporating ten distinct treatments featuring diverse levels of FYM and microbial inoculations. The principal parameters recorded included plant height, branch count, nodules, pods per plant, and total grain and straw yield. Soil characteristics such as pH, organic carbon content, and the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were systematically assessed. The findings revealed that the application of FYM, especially when combined with Rhizobium and PSB, markedly enhanced plant growth and yield parameters. Treatment T10 (Farmyard Manure at 10 tons per hectare in conjunction with Rhizobium Inoculation and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria) exhibited the most elevated values for numerous parameters, including plant height (63.50 cm), leaf count (54.00), branch quantity (6.04), and nodule formation (30.00 per plant), culminating in superior grain yield (1665 kg/ha) and straw yield (2300 kg/ha). Comprehensive soil analysis indicated an augmentation in organic carbon content (0.55%), a decrease in pH levels (6.56), and an increase in the availability of nitrogen (282.33 kg/ha), phosphorus (60.00 kg/ha), and potassium (317.67 kg/ha) within the T10 treatment. The findings of this study substantiate the assertion that the synergistic integration of Farmyard Manure and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria with Rhizobium inoculation markedly enhances soil fertility, promotes plant growth, and increases the yield of black gram, thereby fostering sustainable agricultural practices through the reduction of reliance on chemical fertilizers. This amalgamation significantly improves nutrient availability and absorption, resulting in enhanced vegetative and reproductive development, thereby demonstrating its efficacy in augmenting crop productivity and enhancing soil health.