Soil Physico-chemical Properties as Influenced by Combined use of NPK and Zinc at Varying Levels under Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Cultivation in an Inceptisol of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

In the modern era, Indian farmers are constantly confronted with the enormous challenge of increasing blackgram production due to low inherent nutrient status, indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and rapid depletion of soil fertility. Therefore, the recommended dose of fertilizer application is essential for increasing the nutrient reputation of the soil, with the intention of enhancing the blackgram production in our country. In view of limited information, a field experiment was undertaken at the Research Farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P), during late kharif season of 2021, to investigate the “Effect of Different Levels of NPK and Zinc on Physico-Chemical properties of Soil, Growth and Yield of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) var. RBU-38”. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 9 treatments randomly allocated into three replications. The treatment consisted of three levels of NPK (0:0:0, 10:20:10 and 20:40:20 kg ha-1) and three levels of zinc (0, 2.5 and 5 kg ha-1). Statistical interpretation of experimental results indicated that application of blended NPK @ 20:40:20 kg ha-1 in conjunction with Zn @ 5 kg ha-1 [T9] performed better in maintaining soil properties by way of registering optimum values of bulk density (1.298 Mg m-3), particle density (2.454 Mg m-3), pore space (47.11%), water holding capacity (40.17%) with neutral in soil pH (7.375), non-saline nature of EC (0.281 dS m-1) and low in organic carbon (0.437%). In case of soil nutrient status, the highest availability of nitrogen (287.08 kg ha-1), potassium (201.53 kg ha-1) and zinc (0.685 ppm) at post-harvest soil of blackgram were also recorded in T9 [N20P40K20 + Zn @ 5 kg ha-1] as compared to other treatments, while maximum phosphorus (25.10 kg ha-1) availability was noted under T7 [N20P40K20 + Zn @ 0 kg ha-1] due to the antagonistic relationship between phosphorus and zinc.

Influence of FYM, vermicompost and neem cake on soil health, growth and yield attributes of black gram (Vigna mungo L.)

“…This accelerates the growth and development of all biological tissues and increases the protein content of pulses. (Ghosh and others, 2022) [6] . Of the three main macronutrients that plants need for optimal growth and development, phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient element.…”

“…Plants that are deficient may have spindly, upright, and thin stems, and their leaves will turn bluish green in color. (2022, Ghosh et al) [6] The most prevalent inorganic cation is potassium, which is necessary for healthy plant growth (Gayathri et al, 2009) [5] . Furthermore, cell growth-a crucial process for the health and development of plants-requires it.…”

Effect of Poultry Dropping and Urea Fertilizer On Growth Performance and Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Dry Matter

“…The Sorghum low yield output of ( ≤ 1.0 t/ha) could be attributed to production constraints such as continuous cultivation, without adequate application of either organic or mineral fertilizers to the soil, resulting in low soil fertility that may not have sustained production in the Savannah region of Nigeria. (Waddington et al 2010;Abdullahi et al, 2019;Ghosh, et al, (2022).…”

Response of Different Levels of NPK and Zinc on Soil Health in Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

“…It enhances the amount of protein in pulses and the growth and development of all biological tissues. The synthesis of amino acids, chlorophyll, and other organic chemicals that serve as the building blocks of proteins as well as promoting plant growth make nitrogen one of the most important nutrients (Sarvsade et al, 2019); [1,2].…”

“…The growth of root nodules is boosted, and Rhizobium activity is improved. As a result, it aids in the root nodules' ability to fix more nitrogen from the atmosphere [1].…”