Influence of integrated nutrient management on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake by Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) under semi-arid conditions

Abstract

Nutrient depletion and erosion of soil fertility is a common factor that compromises the sustainability of mungbean production in semi-arid agroecosystems and this highlights the importance of sustainable nutrient management practices. The object of the field investigation was to assess the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on nutrient (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) assimilation by the mungbean crop. The experiment was to be conducted in the summer season of 2024, using the randomized block design, in which eight separate treatments would be introduced three times each. Treatments consisted of control treatment (control fertilization), treatment with RDF at the recommended dose of 20: 60: 20 kg N:P2O5: K2O/ha, inoculation with Rhizobium and different ratios of RDF levels (50, 75 and 100) with the addition of farmyard manure (FYM at 2 t/ha) or vermicompost (VC at 1 t/ha). It was found that INM practices significantly increased nutrient uptake compared with control. The best uptake of N in seed (38.86 kg/ha) and straw (28.94 kg/ha), P in seed (3.71 kg/ha) and straw (4.76 kg/ha) and K in seed (12.30 kg/ha) and straw (26.01 kg/h) was with the treatment of 100% RDF + VC @ 1 t/ha + Rhizobium (T8). The performance of this treatment was statistically equal to that of 100% RDF + FYM @ 2 t/ha + Rhizobium (T5) on most of the uptake parameters. The unfertilized control continually exhibited the most nutrient assimilation. This study concludes that 100 percent RDF in combination with vermicompost and Rhizobium is the most effective solution in enhancing the N, P and K absorption in mungbean, thus promoting the use of this crop in semi-arid areas using nutrient-depleting soils.