​Effect of Phosphorus and Sulphur Application on Growth, Yield Attributes, Nutrient Uptake, Quality and Economics of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.): A Review

Abstract

Phosphorus and sulphur is a key element involved in various functions in growth and metabolism of blackgram. It is frequently a major limiting nutrient for plant growth in most Indian soils. Black gram is the major source of protein for the vegetarian diet and important pulse crop both in terms of area and production. Pulses have been in focus in recent times due to the continuous upswing in their prices. The low productivity of blackgram is due to intensive farming practices and use of exhaustive and high yield cultivars and imbalanced external fertilization. Therefore proper fertilization (site specific and balanced fertilization) is needed to increase the production and productivity of blackgram. Blackgram is very much responsive to phosphorus and sulphur application. In crop plants, the nutrient interactions are generally measured in terms of growth response, yield response and changes in concentration and uptake of nutrients. Studies have indicated synergistic effect between phosphorus and sulphur but their relationship depends on their rate of application and crop species etc. A better understanding of nutrient interaction is helpful in maximizing fertilizer use efficiency and net profit. The most of the results revealed that different levels of P and S had a significant effect on growth attributes, yield attributes, grain and haulm yield and quality prarameters of blackgram. The conjoint application up to 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 40 kg S ha-1 were found to be superior and synergistic in improving the growth and yield attributes of blackgram. The present paper is a critical review from research findings of eminent scientists on sulphur and phosphorus effect over black gram.