Productivity and resource-use efficiency of greengram (Vigna radiata) as influenced by sowing methods and phosphorus levels under semi-arid conditions of Afghanistan

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 2015, at the Afghanistan National Agricultural Sci- ences and Technology University (ANASTU), Kandahar, to study the effect of sowing methods and phosphorus levels on greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilezek]. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 8 treat- ment combinations including 2 sowing methods (broadcast and line sowing) in main plots and 4 phosphorus levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P O /ha) in subplots, replicated thrice. Significantly higher grain yield, biological yield, produc- 2 5 tion efficiency and water-use efficiency were recorded under line sowing over broadcast method. The highest grain yield (1.42 t/ha), biological yield (4.56 t/ha), production efficiency (16.5 kg/ha/day) and water-use efficiency (8.0 kg/ha/mm) were obtained by applying 60 kg P O /ha. Significantly higher gross returns, net returns, benefit: 2 5 cost ratio and monetary efficiency were also recorded under line sowing and at 60 kg P O /ha respectively. Line 2 5 sowing at 45 cm 5 cm spacing and 60 kg P O /ha were found better treatments for higher productivity, profitabil- 2 5 ity and resource-use efficiency of greengram under semi-arid conditions of Afghanistan.