Effect of Phosphorus and Sulphur on Growth, Protein Content, Yield and Economics of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Abstract

To study the effect of phosphorus and sulphur levels on growth, protein content, yield and economic profitability of black gram production in, a field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2018-19 at the Research Farm, School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior, (M.P.). The experiment was conducted in factorial in randomized block design with four phosphorus levels (0 kg/ha (P0), 20 kg/ha (P1), 40 kg/ha (P2) and 60 kg/ha (P3)) along with three Sulphur levels (10 kg/ha (S1), 20 kg/ha (S2) and 30 kg/ha (S3)) which were replicated thrice. The black gram variety “Awasthi” was uniformly fertilized by 20 kg N/ha and 20 kg K2O / ha using Urea and muriate of potash. However, phosphorus and Sulphur were applied using Single Super Phosphate and Cossavet as per the requirement of the treatments. The results revealed that the application of phosphorus @ 60 kg/ha recorded significantly highest plant height (37.12 cm) at 60 DAS, the maximum number of branches per plant (6.33), the maximum number of leaves per plant (10.62) at 60 DAS, seed yield (14.12 q/ha), Stover yield (35.42 q/ha). While among the sulphur levels, application of Sulphur @ 30 kg/ha recorded significantly highest plant height (36.19 cm), the maximum number of branches per plant (6.06), the maximum number of leaves per plant (10.01) at 60 DAS, higher seed yield (12.55 q/ha) and Stover yield (31.85 q/ha). Among the economics, the combined application of phosphorus @ 60 kg with the application of Sulphur @ 30 kg/ ha produced significantly the highest net returns and Benefit Cost. Thus, the application of phosphorus @ 60 kg along with the application of Sulphur @ 30 kg/ ha was found to be the most promising treatment in enhancing the growth and yield in black gram.