Growth, Yield Parameters and Economics of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) Varieties as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management in Saline Region of West Bengal

Abstract

Indiscriminate use of synthetic agro-chemicals has resulted in deterioration of natural resources by polluting crop environment leading to unsustainable productivity of land. So, the potential of organic manures, composts, crop residues and their synergistic effect with chemical fertilizers should be utilized through the integrated nutrient management approach for boosting productivity and agricultural sustainability. The present study was undertaken to find out the appropriate nutrient management techniques for better growth, yield, quality and economics of green gram varieties during the kharif season in in Coastal Saline Zone of West Bengal. A field experiment was conducted during kharif season (June-August) of 2023-24 in the Instructional Farm of the Neotia University, Sarisa, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India to study the effect of 3 green gram varieties (Virat, Samrat and IPM 02-03) under 5 integrated nutrient management treatments (Control, 100% RDF, 75% RDF, 75% RDF + 25% vermicompost, 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost) laid in split plot design with 3 replications in the experiment. Among the green gram varieties tested, ‘Virat’ with 50% RDF + 50% Vermicompost recorded maximum plant height at harvest, highest leaf area index at 50 DAS, dry matter accumulation at 50 DAS as well as harvest and highest number of nodules plant-1 at 50 DAS respectively. ‘Virat’ moong variety recorded the highest seed yield (780.24 kg ha-1) due to superior plant population, no of pods plant-1, no of seeds pod-1 and test weight respectively. The highest stover yield (1523.77 kg ha-1) was obtained with the application of 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost. Maximum gross return was recorded in the combination of Virat with 50% RDF + 50% vermicompost i.e. Rs. 1,06,658, maximum net income and B:C ratio was found highest in the combination Virat with 75% RDF i.e. Rs. 61498 and 2.41 in this saline region of West Bengal. From the above experiment, we could conclude that green gram variety ‘Virat’ or ‘IPM 02-03’ with 50% RDF+ 50% vermicompost or with 75% RDF + 25% vermicompost during the rainy season might be recommended for profitable cultivation in saline region of West Bengal.