Water-use-Efficiency in Spring Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) as Affected by Fertilizer Combinations and Planting Pattern Under Arid Conditions

Abstract

This research trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of planting pattern and fertilizer doses on Water-use-Efficiency of spring planted Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) on sandy loam soil under arid conditions at Main Line Lower Land Reclamation and Research Station, Bhakkar during spring season 2018. The trial was laid out in RCB design with split plot arrangement having three replications. The main plot consisted of four fertilizer (NPK) doses (30:60:15, 60:120:30, 90:180:45, 120:240:60kg ha-1) while the sub plot consisted of six planting patterns viz., 30, 45 & 60 cm (straight sowing) and 30, 45 & 60 cm cross sowing by applying half seed in horizontal direction and remaining half seed in perpendicular direction on sandy loam soil. Two irrigations were applied in a measured amount by the Cut throat flume during the whole life period of crop. Data was collected on number of plants (m-1), plant height, number of branches (plant-1), number of fruit bearing branches (plant-1), number of pods (plant-1), number of grains (pod-1), 1000-grain weight, biological, straw and grain yield. Almost all parameters were significantly affected by fertilizer doses, planting patterns and their interactions as well, except number of fruit bearing branches, number of grains (pod-1) and 1000-grain weight. Statistical analysis of data revealed that maximum grain yield (3180 kg ha-1) with net return Rs.157,312 and BCR 2.61 of spring planted mung bean was obtained by applying fertilizer before sowing @ 60:120:30 kg NPK ha-1 and sowing crop in first week of March in 60 cm apart cross lines by applying half seed in horizontal direction and remaining half seed in perpendicular direction on sandy loam soil under arid conditions.