Influence of Phosphorus and Boron Application on Yield and Yield Attributes of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

The intensification of agricultural practices and restricted use of phosphorus and boron fertilizers have contributed to the depletion of soil nutrients, leading to deficiencies that hinder farmers' ability to reach their desired production targets. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of phosphorus (P) and boron (B) applications on the yield and yield attributing characters of mungbean, along with determining the optimal nutrient doses for maximizing yields. Field experiments were conducted at the Soil and Water Science field of Yezin Agricultural University during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons of 2024. The experimental design followed a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. This included four levels of P (P0, P1, P2, P3: 0, 20, 40, and 60 kg P ha-1) and three levels of B (B0, B1, B2: 0, 0.5, and 1.0 kg B ha-1), along with a blanket dose of 20:40 kg N: K ha-1 as basal. There were twelve treatments in each block. The tested cultivar is yezin-15. The results revealed that both individual and combined applications of P and B significantly enhanced mungbean yield and its attributes. The highest yields were achieved with individual applications of 60 kg P ha-1 and 1.0 kg B ha-1 in both seasons. The combined treatment of P3B2 (60 kg P ha-1 + 1.0 kg B ha-1) yielded the best results for seed yield, plant height, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, and total dry matter in both seasons. This treatment was statistically similar to P2B2 (40 kg P ha-1 + 1.0 kg B ha-1) and P3B1 (60 kg P ha-1 + 0.5 kg B ha-1). Thus, P2B2 is recommended as the optimal dose for increasing mungbean yield in similar agroecological zones. This research provides valuable insights for farmers aiming to optimize fertilizer use and improve crop yields in nutrient-depleted soils. Future studies could explore long-term effects and broader applicability across diverse environments to further refine nutrient management strategies for mungbean cultivation.