Integrated nutrient management in rainfed cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) in arid region of India

Abstract

Results of field experiment, conducted to evaluate the effect of nutrient levels and biofertilizers on growth, yield and nutrient uptake and economics of rainfed cluster bean indicated that increasing levels of nutrients brought significant improvement in growth and yield and nutrient uptake of cluster bean. Seed yield increased significantly up to 75% of recommended level of N and P and it was 55 per cent higher than control. Total uptake of N and K, crude protein yield and B: C ratio also increased significantly up to application of 75% of recommended level of N and P, whereas straw yield, total P uptake and net returns increased up to 100% of recommended level of N and P. However, post harvest fertility status improved significantly only up to 50% of recommended level of N and P. Inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB, either as sole or in combination, also had positive impact on growth and yield parameters thus significantly higher seed and straw yields were obtained with the inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB. However, combined application of these two biofertilizers was significantly better over their sole inoculations in improving the growth and yield characters and yield of the cluster bean. The highest net returns and B: C ratio were also observed with the combined inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB and also improved the post harvest available N and P status of soil, respectively