Impact of Organic Manures on Yield and Economics of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under Poplar-Based Agroforestry and Open Field Conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 to evaluate the effect of organic manures on the yield and economics of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under poplar-based agroforestry and open field conditions, using organic cultivation practices. The study was carried out in the organic experimental block of the Forest Nursery and Research Centre, College of Forestry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment included different levels of organic manure nutrient treatments. Among all treatments under both shaded (agroforestry) and open conditions, Treatment T9 (FYM 50%, Vermicompost 50%, and Poultry Manure 100% of the recommended dose through organics) recorded the highest values in terms of yield, economic returns, and tree parameters. The pod yield was 17.60 t/ha under shade and 19.02 t/ha under open conditions. Gross returns were INR 2,07,427 under shade and INR 1,75,173 under open conditions. Net returns were INR 1,47,127 in the shaded condition and INR 1,15,773 in open conditions. The benefit-cost ratio was 3.44 under shade and 1.95 under open conditions.