Effect of integrated nutrient management practices on growth and yield of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) in sandy loam soil of Mahasamund district

Abstract

This approach provides a balanced supply of nutrients, with blackgram benefiting from its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, while needing phosphorus and sulfur for optimal growth. A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season for two years in 2023 and 2024 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mahasamund (IGKV) farm to assess the influence of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices on growth and yield of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) grown on sandy loam soils. Five nutrient management treatments including conventional farmers practice, INM, organic combinations, and sole organic sources (100% FYM and other 100% vermicompost) were evaluated for the black gram (Indira Urd Pratham). The experimental results revealed a clear superiority of INM (Urea 33 kg/ha + SSP 234 kg/ha + MOP 25 kg/ha + Vermicompost 250 kg/ha) over all other treatments. INM produced significantly higher plant height (48.6 cm), nodules/plant (42), branches/plant (7.3), pods/plant (42), seeds/pod (6.8), and seed yield (8.20 q/ha). Sole organic treatments (FYM or vermicompost) produced relatively lower yields due to slow nutrient release and inadequate N availability during early crop stages. This study concludes that INM is the most efficient approach for enhancing the growth, nodulation, and productivity of blackgram in sandy loam soils of Mahasamund under rainfed conditions.