Effects of biofertilizers and fertility levels on growtH, yield and nutrient removal of greengram (Vigna radiata) under Kashmir conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2004 at the Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture and Regional Research Station, Sher-e-Kashmir University ofAgricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Wadura, Baramulla, to identify optimum use of N and P with Rhizobium and PSB in 'SKUA M 86' greengram. Results revealed that Rhizobium and PSB inoculation alone significantly increased growth parameters, such as nodule dry weight/plant, LAi, plant height, dry matter accumulation, branches/plant, yield attributes and seed yield over their respective controls. The nodule dry weight/plant, LAI, plant height, 1000-seed weight and removal of P increased significantly with graded levels of N and P from control up to 30 kg N and 60 kg P 2O 5/ha. However, the highest pods/plant (14.1) and seed yield (1 108 kg/ha) obtained with 20 kg N and 45 kg P 20O 5/ha were remarkably increased by 64 and 72.9%, respectively compared to control (no N and P). Further, the net income (Rs 19 942/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.91) were also considerably higher with the same treatment. Interaction effect turned out to be significant and indicated that the dual inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB under moderate fertility level (20 kg N+45 kg P 2O 5/ha) proved beneficial for boosting seed yield (1 182 kg/ha), and gave maximum net income (Rs 21 941/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.10).