Effect of Foliar Application of Moringa Leaf Extract and Potassium Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Blackgram

Abstract

Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) is a valuable pulse crop, and its productivity can be enhanced through integrated nutrient and bio-stimulant management. The present study aimed to assess the effect of foliar application of Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE) at 4% and 8% concentrations, applied alone or in combination with potassium, on the growth and yield of blackgram. A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2023–24 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Palem, on sandy soils using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with ten treatments and three replications. The blackgram variety MBG 1070 was used. Treatments included foliar sprays of MLE alone and in combination with potassium nitrate and muriate of potash (MOP), with 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) applied to all treatments except the control. Tap water spray served as the control, and foliar applications were made at 30 and 45 days after sowing (DAS). Result revealed that MLE application significantly enhanced vegetative growth, yield attributes, and overall productivity. Among all treatments, T9 (100% RDF + 20 kg MOP as basal + 8% MLE spray at 30 and 45 DAS) was the most effective, recording the highest plant height, number of branches, pods per plant, and grain and straw yields. These finding suggest that integrating MLE with potassium application can significantly improve blackgram performance under sandy soil conditions.