Nutrient management for enhancing growth and forage productivity of fodder cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rabi, 2024-25 at the dryland farm of S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, to study the nutrient management for enhancing growth and forage productivity of fodder cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). The treatments consisted of four phosphorus levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1) and three zinc levels (0, 25 and 50 kg ZnSO4 ha-1), arranged in a factorial randomized block design. Results revealed that phosphorus and zinc application significantly improved growth attributes such as plant height, number of branches, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation, which in turn enhanced green fodder yield. The highest growth and yield were obtained with 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 combined with 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 which also proved more economical compared to other treatments. Thus, balanced application of phosphorus and zinc is essential for improving growth, productivity and profitability of fodder cowpea under dryland conditions.