Effects of Varying Nitrogen Levels on the Yield and Quality of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

Abstract

Assessing various nitrogen application rates on cowpea yield is critical because of the crop's important contribution to food security and sustainable agricultural practices. Cowpea serves as a key source of protein and essential nutrients, particularly in areas characterized by low rainfall and poor soil quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of varying nitrogen levels on the growth and yield of the cowpea variety Kashi Kanchan. The study conducted at the Horticulture Department's field within the School of Agriculture Research and Technology at Sardar Patel University in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, during the Kharif season of 2023, utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) featuring eight treatments, each replicated three times. The findings from this research indicated that the treatment T6 (N at 35 kg/ha combined with PK at 75 and 60 kg/ha) significantly enhanced vegetative growth, achieving a plant height of 81.80 cm at 60 days after sowing and an average of 24.40 branches per plant. Additionally, it positively influenced yield characteristics, including a pod length of 32.39 cm, a pod diameter of 1.40 cm, and a maximum of 110.41 pods per plant, with a pod weight of 18.88 grams and a pod yield of 64.33 quintals per hectare. T6 also yielded the highest net returns and a favorable benefit-cost ratio of 1.50. Therefore, applying nitrogen at 35 kg/ha is recommended to enhance cowpea productivity and overall performance in the Balaghat region.