Influence of Different Levels of NPK and Biochar on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) var. Shekhar-2

Abstract

An experiment entitled “Influence of Different Levels of NPK and Biochar on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) var. Shekhar-2” was carried out during the Zaid season of 2023-2024 at the Research Farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in 3 × 3 randomized block design, consisting of three levels of NPK (0, 50 and 100% RDF) and three levels of biochar (0, 50 and 100%). Among all treatments, T₉ (100% NPK + 100% biochar) recorded the most favourable results. This treatment showed the highest improvements in bulk density, particle density, pore space, water-holding capacity, organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at both 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm soil depths. In terms of crop growth, T₉ produced the maximum plant height (41.05 cm, 49.13 cm and 60.05 cm at 30 DAS, 60 DAS and harvest, respectively), number of leaves plant-1 (18, 30 and 32 at 30 DAS, 60 DAS and harvest), number of pods plant-1 (38.72), number of seeds pod-1 (10.5), test weight (54.60 g per 1000 seeds) and grain yield (12.40 q ha⁻¹).Economic evaluation also indicated that T₉ was superior with a cultivation cost of ₹52,200 ha⁻¹, gross return of ₹1,20,280 ha⁻¹, net profit of ₹68,080 ha⁻¹ and a benefit: cost ratio of 1:2.30. It revealed that combined application of NPK and biochar significantly improved nutrient availability and soil quality.