Inorganic Nutrient Sources Research Articles

Morphological and Productivity Response of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to Nano Biofertilization

Background: Chickpea productivity in the last decade has been declined due to improper management of inorganic and organic nutrient sources and it has been contended that the usual native soil rhizobial populations are insufficient/ineffective in N2 – fixation. Rhizobium based biofertilizers may substitute nitrogenous chemical fertilizers and provide a suitable way of achieving sustainable production. The effective use of exogeneous application of nano emulsion biofertilizer can enhance yield by reducing flower drop, regulating pod formation besides improving soil quality. In view of above consideration, the present investigation entitled “Morphological and productivity response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to nano biofertilization” was carried out. Methods: The field experiment was conducted on sandy clayey loam soil during two consecutive Rabi seasons of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (Factor) with three replications, assigning 45 treatments consisting of five soil applications (100% RDF; 100% RDF + FYM; 100% RDF + Vermicompost; 75% RDF + FYM; and 75% RDF + Vermicompost) as first factor and three foliar applications (Nano DAP; Nano Urea and Nano emulsion biofertilizer) as second factor treatments. Result: Application of Nano emulsion biofertilizer to chickpea variety (NBeG-49) at harvest had shown significant higher plant height (35.03 cm), dry matter production (3251.43 kg ha-1), leaf area index (0.90), crop growth rate (1.59 gm-2 day-1), relative growth rate (26.3 mg g-1 day-1), chlorophyll (SPAD value) (58.22), number of pods/plant (24.93), seed yield (1111.60 kg ha-1), straw yield (2501.10 kg ha-1) and nitrogen uptake (70.56 kg ha-1), phosphorus uptake (203.21 kg ha-1) and potassium uptake (54.30 kg ha-1).

Assessing the impact of tillage practices and nutrient levels on the growth and productivity of Ethopian mustard (Brassica carinata L.) - soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cropping system

BackgroundAn importance of tillage, inorganic and organic nutrient sources in the mustard - soybean cropping system lies in their ability to enhance soil fertility, improve nutrient availability, optimize crop growth and yield, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Any cropping system’s sustainability could be increased by implementing better management techniques like zero and reduced tillage with residue retention and better nutrient sources.ResultsA field experiment was conducted for four consecutive seasons (Winter 2019 to Rainy 2021) to compare the two enhanced management practices, zero and reduced tillage to conventional tillage across four levels of nutrient sources: 75 and 100% recommended dose of nitrogen through FYM and 75 and 100% recommended dose of fertilizers through urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash in a two years experiment. Experiment results were evaluated in terms of nutrient status, profitability and productivity of Mustard-Soybean cropping system. The results show a substantial improvement in yield, nutrient status, and overall yield performance of mustard and soybean when using the full recommended dose of fertilizers combined with reduced tillage and mulching, compared to other treatment methods. The implementation of reduced tillage practices recorded significantly higher yield of mustard and soybean over conventional and zero tillage.ConclusionSystem productivity and profitability i.e. mustard equivalent yield, productivity, gross returns, net returns, profitability and B: C (benefit: cost) was found to be improved with reduced tillage and 100% recommended dose of fertilizer under reduced tillage practices. To enhance cropping system productivity in various sub-humid regions worldwide, farmers can adopt reduced tillage techniques combined with the full recommended dose of fertilizers (100% RDF).

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield Characteristics of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) cv. Pant Shubhra under Subtropical Conditions of Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season (September to January) of 2021 and 2022 at the experimental farm of Integral Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The objective of the experiment is to find out the most efficient combination of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients to increase the growth, yield characteristics of cauliflower. Total nine numbers of treatments along with the control treatment were assessed in Randomized Block Design with three numbers of replications. In view of, effect of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients has observed significant variation. The result revealed that the growth parameters like plant height (5.57, 12.47, 19.77 cm), number of leaves (7.97, 9.53, 13.7), length of leaves (17.30, 24.73, 31.73 cm), width of leaves (7.17, 10.20, 15.10 cm), plant spread (285.50, 806.93, 1212.83 cm) at 20, 40 and 60 days respectively, yield parameters like weight of curd (893.73 g), yield of curd plot-1 (13.40 kg), yield of curd ha-1 (25.30 t) were observed higher in 75% N through RDF+25% N through FYM+Azotobacter @ 5 kg ha-1 (T4). INM treatments showed lesser result on growth and yield of cauliflower in T1 (control). The treatment T4 were the most beneficial treatment which may be followed for commercial cauliflower cultivation on large scale. Thus, farmers are suggested to apply 75% N through RDF+25% N through FYM+Azotobacter @ 5 kg ha-1 to increase growth and yield of cauliflower.

Integrated Nutrient Management for Growth, Yield and Economic Assessment in Black Gram in Dehradun Valley

The field experiment was carried out at a designated location on the Agricultural Research Farm of Graphic Era Hill University in Dehradun during the kharif season of 2023 to study the influence of integrating organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on growth and productivity of black gram (Vigna mungo). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of nine treatments viz Control (T1), 100% RDF (20:40:20 Kg/ha NPK)(T2), Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (T3) Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T4), 100% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (T5), 100% RDF + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T6), Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T7), 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T8), 100% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 5 ha-1+ Bio-Nitrogen (T9) each replicated thrice. Integrated Nutrient Management had significantly affected growth, yield and economics of black gram. Maximum emergence count (13.3 m2) was recorded with 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed which at par with 100% RDF + Bio nitrogen@ 20gm kg-1 seed (T6) and 100% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 5 ha-1+ Bio-Nitrogen (T9). Growth parameter viz. plant height, number of nodules/plant, dry matter accumulation/m2, branches/plant were reported to be significantly influenced by INM with 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed. Similarly, maximum seed yield (36.33 q ha-1) was obtained under 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed. Increase in seed yield with the application of by 358.1% and 233.3% was obtained over control (T1) and 100% RDF (T2). The study highlights that combining organic and inorganic sources of nutrients is a simple and effective strategy to improve initial plant stand of black gram crop, ultimately contributing to increased crop growth, yield and better economic returns.

Optimizing nutrient management for sustaining sugarcane yield throughintegration of biochar, digested sludge, liquid slurry and ash applicationswith inorganic fertilizers

A field experiment was laid out during 2023-24 at ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of various nutrient management options on growth performance, yield and quality of sugarcane. Optimized integration of organic sources were evaluated with inorganic nutrient sources in randomized block design with three replications. The result revealed that a significantly higher plant height (407.8 cm), number of tillers (191 × 103/ha), leaf area (511.7 dm2), leaf area index (6.81) and cane yield (91.2 t/ha) of sugarcane were obtained with the integration of 100% synthetic along with 4 t/ha solid digest, which was at par to 100% NP + K through liquid digest, 100% synthetic + 6 t/ha biochar and 100% NP + K through Ash, while the lowest were observed under treatment receiving organic manure alone i.e. 100% N through solid digestate, might be owing to very slow mineralization process of nutrients. These treatments also resulted in an effective combination of organic and inorganic nutrient sources with regard to increased 0brix reading.

APPLICATION OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC NUTRIENT SOURCES FOR IMPROVING GROWTH AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) UNDER CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF PAKISTAN

The research was conducted under rain fed conditions of Rawalakot to check the effect of different organic and chemical fertilizers on yield and yield components in maize. Eight different treatments were evaluated by using regular arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Sheep manure (SM), farm yard manure (FYM), and poultry manure (PM) were used as organic sources of nutrients while NPK was used inorganic sources. The test variety of maize was Pioneer-30Y87. The data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to analyze the difference amongst different means using least significance difference (LSD). Results revealed significant effect of different nutrient treatments on the yield and morphological growth of maize. Maximum number of plants (11.00), plant height (212.80 cm), number of grain rows per cob (15.60), 1000 grains weight (188.90 g), grain yield (6836.7g) were recorded for Treatment T7 (Half recommended NPK fertilizer + farm yard manure. tons ha-1). This study showed that mixed use of inorganic and organic sources of nutrients could be a better soil nutrient amendment when applied at a ratio of 50% dose of farm yard manure (FYM) + 50% dose of NPK in the cultivation of maize under rain fed conditions of Rawalakot.

Productivity and Profitability of Diversified Legume-based Cropping Systems in the Indo-gangetic Plains of India as Influenced by Nutrient Management

Background: The continuing adoption of the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) and indiscriminate use of inorganic fertiliser has led to a decrease in soil fertility, an increase in multiple micronutrient deficiencies, a decrease in the water table and excessive greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the Indo Gangetic Plains. Adoption of crop diversification strategies, including legumes in cropping systems with integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources, could be a viable option for achieving higher fodder tonnage and sustainable crop production in aforesaid ecologies. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the kharif, rabi and summer seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 in a split-plot design comprising four cropping systems (CS) i.e., rice-wheat, rice-berseem, pearl millet-oats-moong bean and maize-cowpea-wheat in main plots; and four nutrient management (NM) practices i.e., 100% RDF (recommended dose of fertiliser), 100% RDF + cow urine (foliar spray), 100% RDF + PGPR (seed treatments) and 75% RDF + cow urine + PGPR were assigned in sub-plots with three replications of each treatment. Result: Investigations revealed that the significantly highest system productivity, net returns and higher nutrient availability were obtained under the rice-berseem cropping system with 100% RDF + PGPR treatment. The magnitude of increment in system productivity of the rice–berseem cropping system was 35.06, 57.87 and 87.29% over rice-wheat, maize-cowpea-wheat and pearl millet-oats-moong bean cropping system, respectively. The legume-based cropping system has strengthened and sustained crop productivity and profitability. The results of the present work confirmed that the adoption of legume-based crop diversification has significantly alleviated the crop yield of dairy-based farming systems.

Effect of integrated use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on growth and yield of black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

The present research study aimed to evaluate the combined influence of inorganic and organic nutrient sources on the growth and yield parameters of black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper). The result indicated that using a combination of 50% of the recommended dose of fertilizer and 50% vermicompost had a significant positive impact on growth attributes, yield parameters, and biochemical parameters. These findings suggests that the simultaneous application of organic and inorganic fertilizers can effectively improve soil fertility and crop yield. Notably, integrating 50% of the recommended fertilizer dose with 50% vermicompost proved to be particularly beneficial in enhancing both the growth and yield of black gram compared to other treatments, including the control group.

Response of Inorganic, Integrated and Organic Sources of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Cabbage

Response of Inorganic, Integrated and Organic Sources of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Cabbage

Assessment of Correlation between Growth and Yield of Blackgram with Residual Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nutrients and AM Fungi Applied to Rice in Aerobic Rice-blackgram Cropping System

Assessment of Correlation between Growth and Yield of Blackgram with Residual Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nutrients and AM Fungi Applied to Rice in Aerobic Rice-blackgram Cropping System

Soil Nutrient Inflow-Outflow Dynamics and Balance on Agricultural Cultivated Farms in Northern Ethiopia

Soil fertility is the controlling factor of agricultural production worldwide including Waghimera zone, Ethiopia. However, it has been diminished from time to time and leads to low crop yield. Measuring of soil nutrient inflow-outflow affords necessary information about the current nutrient status of the soils, and to take appropriate nutrient management practices. The study was conducted to estimate the full soil nutrient balance of cultivated farms in the northern, of Ethiopia, in the 2020/21 main season. Inflow and Outflow of N, P, and K into, and out of farms were measured through the interview, field measurement, laboratory analysis, USLE model, and pedo-transfer functions. The full N balance of barley, tef, and wheat were -66.7, -8.9, and -47.1 kg ha-1 yr-1, respectively. P full balance was -5.4, 1.4, and -1.9 kg ha-1 yr-1 for barley, tef, and wheat farms, respectively. Whereas, K balance was also -12.4, -3.3, and -6 kg ha-1 yr-1 for barley, tef, a nd wheat, respectively. The balance quantification was done by subtracting nutrient outflows from the inflows. The results revealed that N, P, and K had negative balances except for P in tef. Grain yield and crop residue removal were the major paths of nutrient loss. To sustain, and boost agricultural production, reversing the imbalance between inflows, and outflows is critically essential for the study area. The current highly depleted nutrient should be corrected by adding sufficient organic, and inorganic nutrient sources, like in situ manuring, biochar, green manure, and remaining crop residue in the fields.

Performance of lentil (Lens culinaris) under various organic and inorganic sources of nutrients under sandy loam soil

Performance of lentil (Lens culinaris) under various organic and inorganic sources of nutrients under sandy loam soil

Optimizing nutrient application and nitrogen transformation to maximize the growth and productivity of bud chip transplanted sugarcane

The judicious use of different organic and inorganic nutrient sources is of prime importance for enhancing the productivity of long-duration and nutrient-exhaustive crops, including sugarcane. We aimed to assess the impact of optimum nutrient application through integration of bio-products and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield of sugarcane, and N availability in sugarcane plant crops raised through bud chip settlings. The fifteen treatment combinations were replicated three times in randomized block design. Results revealed that 150% of RDF + 5 t vermicompost ha−1 + 25 kg ZnSO4 + Azotobacter + phosphate solubilizing bacteria recorded the highest growth in terms of plant population, drymatter production, cane diameter, millable canes and single cane weight; cane yield (138.7 t ha−1) and net returns (Rs. 2, 62, 600 ha−1) followed by 150% RDF + 5 t vermicompost + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha−1 in sugarcane. However, maximum benefit: cost ratio was evidenced with 150% RDF alone (1.80) and lowest in RDF + 5 t vermicompost ha−1 (0.78), respectively. NO3-N, exchangeable NH4 +-N, hydrolyzable NH4 +-N were found to represent about 20.5 to 30.9, 41.5 to 73.8, 55.8 to 76.8 mg kg−1, respectively. The relative contents of these fractions were in the order: non-hydrolysable > unidentified N > amino acid N > hydrolyzable NH4 +-N > exchangeable NH4 +-N > NO3-N > hexose amine N. Thus, the integration of organic sources with NPK holds great promise to increase cane yield and N availability in soil but with 150% RDF proved to be more remunerative and economically sound for the bud chip raised sugarcane.

Organic Farming vs. Integrated Nutrient Management: A Comparative Review of Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

In an era where sustainable agriculture is crucial for global food security and environmental preservation, organic farming and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) have emerged as leading practices. This review paper offers a comprehensive comparison of these two approaches, focusing on their impact on agricultural productivity and sustainability. Organic farming, with its emphasis on reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones, and feed additives, aligns closely with the principles of sustainability. It enhances food quality, promotes soil health, and mitigates adverse environmental effects by encouraging natural recovery cycles. However, organic farming's limitations, such as lower yields and a more labour-intensive approach have prompted interest in innovative solutions that blend organic practices with modern technologies. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) presents a compelling alternative. By combining organic, inorganic, and biological nutrient sources, INM seeks to optimize nutrient use efficiency and maintain soil health. This approach offers a flexible nutrient management strategy, balancing organic and inorganic inputs to maintain crop productivity while reducing environmental impact. Studies have shown that INM can improve soil properties, such as bulk density, porosity, and water-holding capacity, leading to enhanced crop yields and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The paper explores how INM's integrated approach not only stabilizes crop production but also supports the growth of soil microbes, providing a source of energy and organic carbon. By using a combination of specific microorganisms, organic matter, and minimal doses of inorganic fertilizers, INM can achieve a harmonious balance that reduces environmental pollution and ensures long-term soil fertility. Ultimately, this review underscores the potential of combining organic and INM practices to create a sustainable and productive agricultural system. Through a comparative analysis, the paper aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and farmers towards adopting strategies that foster agricultural sustainability without compromising productivity.

Varietal Response to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Bulb Yield and Quality of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

A field experiment was conducted in the Rabi season of 2021-22 at the research farm of the Regional Research Center, Raiya (Jhajjar) of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, Haryana. The study aimed to examine the impact of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, bulb yield and quality of two local varieties of onion. The experiment consists of two factors viz. different combinations of organic and inorganic nutrient sources (T1: RDF (125:50:25 kg/ha), T2: RDN supplied through FYM, T3: RDN supplied through Vermi-compost, T4: RDN supplied through Poultry manure, T5: 50% Recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through FYM, T6: 50% Recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through Vermi-compost, T7: 50% Recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through poultry manure, T8: control) that were laid out in a randomized block design (factorial) with four replications and two varieties namely Hisar Onion-2 and Hisar Onion-4. The outcomes of the study revealed that the leaf length (52.72 cm), number of leaves (10.28), equatorial diameter (6.09 cm), polar diameter (5.16 cm), bulb yield and yield related parameters such as average fresh weight of bulbs (82.39 g), yield per plot (26.74 kg), yield per hectare (29.71 t) and A grade bulbs (73.55%) were recorded maximum, while bolting percentage (2.28%) and twin bulbs percentage (3.16%) was recorded minimum under the treatment T6 Hisar Onion-4 exhibited superiority in almost all growth and bulb yield parameters except number of leaves, which was noted higher in Hisar Onion-2.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Timely Sown Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A comprehensive study examining the effects of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on the growth and yield of wheat was carried out during the Rabi season of 2020-21 at the Student's Instructional Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The experimental design was a Randomized Block Design, with each treatment replicated three times across eight different treatments: Control (T1), 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) (120:60:40 NPK kg/ha) (T2), RDF + Azotobacter (T3), RDF + Azotobacter + Farmyard Manure (FYM) @ 2.0 tons/ha + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) @ 6.0 kg/ha + Trichoderma @ 5.0 kg/ha (T4), RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tons/ha (T5), RDF + FYM @ 2.0 tons/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.0 ton/ha + Trichoderma @ 5.0 kg/ha (T6), RDF + FYM @ 2.0 tons/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.0 ton/ha + PSB @ 6.0 kg/ha + Azotobacter (T7), and RDF + FYM @ 2.0 tons/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.0 ton/ha + Azotobacter + PSB @ 6.0 kg/ha + Zinc @ 5.0 kg/ha + Sulphur @ 25 kg/ha (T8). The soil type was sandy loam with a pH of 8.13. The wheat variety Shekhar (K-1006) was planted on November 30, 2020, with a seed rate of 100 kg/ha and row spacing of 20 cm. The results indicated that the T8 treatment, which combined RDF, FYM, Vermicompost, Azotobacter, PSB, Zinc, and Sulphur, significantly improved plant growth characteristics such as height, fresh weight, dry weight, and number of tillers per plant, as well as yield-contributing factors including spike length, number of grains per spike, and test weight, compared to all other treatments. Specifically, the T8 treatment produced the highest grain yield, straw yield, and biological yield, recording 52.77, 67.55, and 120.32 quintals per hectare, respectively, which was significantly higher than the yields in treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4, and comparable to those in treatments T5, T6, and T7. Moreover, the T8 treatment achieved the highest gross income (Rs. 143,076.00), net income (Rs. 86,300.00), and benefit-cost ratio (2.52) when compared to all other treatments.

Evaluation of pre-plant incorporated manure and phosphorus fertilizers on alfalfa yield, nutritive value, and residual soil characteristics

Managing adequate levels of plant available P in soil is an important management practice for boosting alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) yields and nutritive value. Although several ways of supplementing P at various stages of plant growth are in practice, pre-plant application of P through various organic and inorganic nutrient sources are largely under-investigated. Therefore, a three-year study was conducted at the New Mexico State University Rex. E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center, Tucumcari, NM USA, to investigate the impact of manure (pre-plant applied @ 22.5 Mg ha−1vs. no manure) and inorganic P sources (00-46-00 or 11-52-00) applied to soil either in one-time bulk (336 kg P2O5 ha−1 preplant incorporated) or split applications (112 kg P2O5 ha−1 preplant incorporated with an additional 112 kg P2O5 ha−1 surface-applied annually) on the yield and nutritive value of alfalfa and residual soil characteristics. Results demonstrated that pre-plant manure application had statistically no advantage in improving the alfalfa forage yield compared to control (p > 0.05), although there was strong evidence of a consistent yield increase trend in all manure treatments. Forage nutritive value parameters such as ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber), NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber), K, and Zn were significantly improved by manure supplementation. Manure application improved most soil quality parameters, especially the soil Nitrate-N, Olsen P, K, S, and Zn contents. Inorganic P fertilizer type or application strategy had no significant impact on alfalfa yield and nutritive value and soil characteristics. Most interactions (both two-way and three-way) among the tested treatments had no significant impact on the study parameters.

Response of maize to the combined application of innovative organic and inorganic sources of nutrients in an acid Alfisol of lower Himalayas

Response of maize to the combined application of innovative organic and inorganic sources of nutrients in an acid Alfisol of lower Himalayas

Effect of conjoint application schedules of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on growth, yield and economics of rice

A field experiment was conducted during (kharif) summer season of 2019 and 2020 at Crop Research Centre, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh to study the effect of integrated use of chemical nitrogen fertilizer and green manure on performance of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment consists of fourteen treatment combinations of conjoint application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients was laid-out in randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that the significant highest dry matter accumulation (1,205.90 g/m2 ) at harvest stage, leaf-area index (4.18), crop growth rate (16.34 g/m2 /day), relative growth rate (7.09 mg/g/day), grain yield (3.88 t/ha) and straw yield (6.64 t/ha) recorded in the 25% recommended N through dhaincha incorporated + 75% N through chemical fertilizer was found at par with RDF (120N : 60P : 50K) and 25% recommended N through vermicompost incorporated 10 days before transplanting + 75% N through chemical fertilizer and it was significantly superior over rest of the treatment combinations. The substitution of 25% N through incorporated dhaincha at planting was found most promising in terms of productivity, profitability and performed better than other treatments and may be recommended for farmers of Uttar Pradesh and similar agro-eco regions.

Influence of Foliar Application of 19:19:19 and Mono-Potassium Phosphate on Growth and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Aims: Foliar application or foliar nutrition is a technique of feeding plants by applying liquid fertilizer directly to their leaves. Water soluble fertilizers (19:19:19 and mono potassium phasphate) have been introduced exclusively for foliar feeding and fertilization. There is very little information about the foliar application of water soluble fertilizers. There is need for more research in this field. Therefore, foliar nutrition is being recognized as an important method of fertilization in modern agriculture. The current study aimed to study the effect of foliar application of inorganic sources of nutrients for exploiting genetic potential of the crop for supplementing the part of nutrient requirements at critical stages. Methodology: A field experiment was conducted during late kharif 2019 on sandy loam soils at College of Agriculture, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, Karnataka, to study the effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizers on growth and yield of green gram (Vigna radiata L.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design comprising of 3 replications and 13 treatment combinations consisting of three water soluble fertilizers along with package of practice (viz., 2 % DAP, 1 % 19:19:19, 2 % 19:19:19, 1 % mono-potassium phosphate, 2 % mono-potassium phosphate, 1 % 19:19:19 + 1 % mono-potassium phosphate). All water soluble fertilizers were given as foliar spray at two crop growth stages (30 and 45 DAS). Results: Foliar application of monopotassium phosphate and 19:19:19 each @ 1 per cent at 30 and 45 DAS along with package of practice recorded significantly higher plant height (56.04 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (8.46), leaf area (5.37 dm2 plant-1), total dry matter production (22.16 g plant-1), number of pods plant-1 (22.10), number of seeds plant-1 (12.65), pod length (8.92 cm), seed yield (1038.82 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (1675.28 kg ha-1), thereby achieved yield increment of 25.07 per cent over package of practice and 46.85 per cent over farmers practice as compared to the other treatments. Conclusion: Foliar application of monopotassium phosphate and 19:19:19 each at 1 per cent at 30 and 45 DAS along with package of practice in late kharif found ideal for achieving higher yield potentiality in green gram.