Influence of Soil and Foliar Application of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L)

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to scrutinize the intricacies of nutrient management to optimize the cultivation of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) during the Rabi season of 2022-2023 in Coimbatore. The primary objectives include evaluating the efficacy of various treatments, such as recommended doses of inorganic fertilizer (RDF), rhizobium, and Phosphobacteria microbial inoculants as soil applicants, as well as TNAU Pulse Wonder, nano urea, and DAP as foliar sprays.
 Study Design: A meticulous Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications was employed to explore diverse treatments. This design allowed for a systematic investigation into the impact of different nutrient management strategies on the growth and yield of black grams.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Coimbatore, and the Rabi season of 2022-2023 was chosen for its duration. The experimental setup was established at the research farm under the auspices of the Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences.
 Methodology: A total of ten treatments were tested, including various combinations of RDF (25:50:25), rhizobial culture, phosphobacteria, TNAU Pulse Wonder, nano urea, and DAP. Plant growth metrics, such as plant height and leaf count, were measured at 60 days after sowing (DAS). Yield attributes, including pod count, seeds per pod, and test weight, were also evaluated. Economic scrutiny included the calculation of the cost of cultivation, gross return, net income, and benefit-cost ratio.
 Results: Treatment T7, consisting of 75% RDF, rhizobial culture, phosphobacteria, and 1% TNAU Pulse Wonder, demonstrated substantial efficacy in enhancing plant growth metrics. At 60 DAS, this treatment exhibited an appreciable increase in plant height (39.89 cm) and leaf count (15.33). Moreover, T7 positively impacted crucial yield attributes, with elevated pod count (24.33), seeds per pod (9.33), and test weight (4.98 g). Economic scrutiny identified T7 as the epitome of economic viability, featuring a cost of cultivation at 30,240 INR, gross return of 125,587.80 INR, net income of 95,347.80 INR, and a commendable benefit-cost ratio of 4.15.
 Conclusion: These findings underscore the profound significance of strategic nutrient management paradigms for fostering sustainable and economically robust black gram cultivation. The identified treatment T7 stands out as a promising approach to optimize yields and economic returns in black gram cultivation, offering valuable insights for future agricultural practices.