Synergistic effect of inorganic fertilizer, organic manure and biofertilizer on the performance of moong bean (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

Moongbean is a major pulse crop in India valued for its high nutritional content and ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. However, its average yield remains low due to imbalanced nutrient management. This research was conducted during Kharif 2024 at Guru Kashi University, Bathinda (Punjab) to evaluate the synergistic effects of organic manure, inorganic and biofertilizers on growth and yield of moongbean (Vigna radiata L.). The experiment comprised eight treatments laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Results showed that plants treated with Rhizobium inoculation + FYM (5 t ha-1) + 100% RDF achieved the highest plant height (67.3 cm), branches plant-1 (5.70), and dry matter accumulation (71.2 q ha-1). This treatment also recorded the maximum pods plant-1 (45.88), seeds pod-1 (13.9), pod length (9.61 cm), and 1000-grain weight (39.20 g). It yielded the highest grain yield (10.73 q ha-1), stover yield (32.07 q ha-1), biological yield (42.50 q ha-1), harvest index (24.51%), and the best benefit-cost ratio (2.40). Thus, Rhizobium inoculation combined with FYM and 100% RDF emerged as the most effective strategy for boosting moongbean productivity.