Soil properties and yield of mung bean [VIGNA RADIATA (L.) WILCZEK] as influenced by tillage and phosphorous fertilizer management on sandy loam soil in Chitwan, Nepal

Abstract

Phosphorous application combined with a variety of tillage methods promotes the growth and development of mungbeans and sustainably improves soil health. A field experiment was conducted in Mangalpur, Nepal from February to May of 2021 and 2022 to investigate the impact of varying tillage practices and phosphorous doses on the growth, development, and yield of mung beans, while also analyzing changes in soil physicochemical properties on sandy loam soil. The research was conducted in a 2-factorial split-plot design with three replications. After completion of the study, the plant height (59.43 cm), nodule plant-1 (15.84), pod plant−1 (23.65), and seed yield (1087.76 kgha−1) were significantly higher when phosphorous was applied at 40 kgha−1 and 60 kgha−1. Among different tillage practices, significantly greater plant height (57.21 cm), nodule per plant (15.76), pod plant−1 (24.99), seed pod-1 (10.76), seed yield (1089.92 kgha−1), and 1000-seed weight (48.23 g) were observed in conventional tillage. P at 60 kgha−1 resulted in significantly higher total soil nitrogen (0.207 %) and available P (30.65 kgha−1). Similarly, for tillage practices, statistically higher total soil nitrogen (0.23 %) and available phosphorous (32.45 kgha−1) were observed in zero tillage practices. Furthermore, pH was seen to be significantly higher in conventional tillage (6.12) followed by strip (5.79). A combination of conventional tillage with 40 kgha−1 was observed better in short-term conditions however, for better growth and yield of mung bean and sustainable health of the soil, zero tillage with 40 kgha−1 phosphorous can be suggested for sandy loam soil and environmental conditions present in the study site in the long-term.