Integrated nutrient management improves productivity, profitability and quality of rainfed pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Mill sp.) in an alfisol of Eastern India

Abstract

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is grown globally for its protein rich seed. Low availability of soil nutrients adversely affects the seed yield of pigeonpea crop in alfisols (acidic soils). The present investigation was conducted to assess the effect of integrated nutrient management practices on productivity, profitability and quality of pigeonpea cultivation in the Eastern Ghat High Land Zone of Odisha, India. Field experiment was conducted for three consecutive kharif (rainy) seasons of 2015, 2016 and 2017 with seven treatments [absolute control, 100% recommended dose of NPK fertilizer (i.e., N:P2O5:K2O @ 25:50:50 kg ha−1), 100% NPK + lime @ 0.2 lime requirement or LR, 75% N + 100% PK + Rhizobium @ 20 g kg−1 as seed inoculation + PSB @ 5 kg ha−1 as soil application, 75% N + 100% PK + Rhizobium + PSB + lime, 50% N + 100% PK + Rhizobium + PSB, and 50% N + 100% PK + Rhizobium + PSB + lime], replicated thrice, taking pigeonpea cv. VL-Arhar-1 as test crop under a randomized block design. It was observed that productivity, quality and nutrient uptake of pigeonpea were higher in 75% N + 100% PK + Rhizobium + PSB + lime treated plots over other nutrient management treatments and absolute control treatment. Similarly, maximum gross return (Indian Rupees or INR 72,183 ha−1), net return (INR 49,118 ha−1) and benefit:cost ratio or B:C ratio (3.13) were recorded from combined application of 75% N + 100% PK, Rhizobium, PSB and lime treated plots.