Studies on the impact of Nano-DAP on growth, yield and quality of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Studies on the Impact of Nano-DAP on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.)” was conducted during the summer season of 2025 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Career Point University, Kota (Rajasthan), to evaluate the effect of Nano-DAP on crop performance under varying fertilizer levels. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with eight treatments and three replications, including seed treatment and foliar application of Nano-DAP (0.4%) at 20 and 40 days after sowing, either alone or in combination with different proportions of recommended fertilizer dose (RDF). The soil of the experimental field was clay-loam in texture, low in nitrogen and organic carbon, medium in phosphorus, and high in potassium with an alkaline pH. Results revealed that nutrient management practices significantly influenced mung bean growth, yield attributes, and quality parameters. The treatment T₇ (Seed treatment + 75% RDF + Nano-DAP foliar spray) produced the highest plant height, number of branches, dry matter accumulation, and leaf area index, indicating enhanced nutrient uptake and physiological activity. Root length, nodulation, and root biomass were also maximized in T₇, suggesting improved nitrogen fixation due to better rhizobial activity and phosphorus availability. Yield-contributing traits such as pods per plant (17.2), grains per pod (8.8), and 1000-grain weight (35.4 g) were highest in T₇, resulting in the maximum grain yield (11.60 q/ha), straw yield (32.95 q/ha), and biological yield (44.55 q/ha). The same treatment also recorded superior protein content (27.4%) and protein yield (302.22 g/plant). Economically, T₇ achieved the highest net return (₹82,231/ha) and B:C ratio (4.67), followed by T₈ (50% RDF + Nano-DAP). These results demonstrate that integrating Nano-DAP through seed treatment and foliar application with 75% RDF significantly enhances growth, yield, quality, and profitability of mung bean while reducing dependency on conventional fertilizers, making it a sustainable nutrient management strategy for pulse production.