Effect of Combined use of Nutrition and Weed Management Practices on the Weed Studies, Seed Yield and Microbial Counts of Soil in Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

Abstract

A study was conducted at NEB Crop Research Center, G.B.Pant University of Aagriculture &Technology, Pantnagar, to evaluate the effect of combined use of weed and nutrition management through seed inoculation, foliar application and weed management practices on the weed studies (weed count weed dry weight and weed control efficiency) and seed yield parameters of blackgram. The experiment was laid out in the factorial randomized block design with 3 factors, which 2 factors were about nutrient management i.e., seed inoculation (Rhizobium+ PSB & Rhizobium sp.+PGPR), and foliar nutrition (water spray, Nano urea @0.25 &18:18:18 NPK @2%), and one was about weed management (weedy check, Propaquizafop + Imazethapyr & Fomesafen% + Fluazifop-p-butyl). Results showed that among seed inoculation treatments, Rhizobium sp.+PGPR performs better in terms of total weed count, weed dry biomass, seed yield and microbial count (actinomycetes and bacteria) in soil whereas seed inoculation did not influence the weed control index, initial and final plant population and fungi count. After Weed-free treatment, Fomesafen% + Fluazifop-p-butyl gave minimum weed count, weed dry weight, maximum yield and microbial count (actinomycetes and bacteria) among weed management treatments. However, among foliar nutrition, 18:18:18 NPK @2% treatment gave maximum weed dry biomass and maximum seed yield, with microbial count in soil whereas foliar nutrition did not exert an effect on weed count, weed control index, plant initial and final plant population and fungi count. These findings highlight the importance of nutrient management through seed inoculation and foliar nutrition with weed management practices in addressing productivity issues with sustainability improving returns for black gram farmers.