Enhancing Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Summer Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) through Sulphur, Organic Manures and Biofertilizers

The challenges in enhancing the yield and nutrient uptake of Summer Greengram include addressing widespread sulphur deficiency in Indian soils, which is crucial for protein synthesis, nodulation and overall plant growth. Integrating organic manures like farm yard manure (FYM) and vermicompost can improve soil fertility, structure and microbial activity, positively influencing crop growth and yield. Additionally, the application of biofertilizers containing Rhizobium for nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms for improved phosphorus availability can play a vital role in overcoming nutrient limitations and enhancing the productivity of greengram crops. A field trial was conducted at the Soil and Water Management, Cotton Research Sub Station, Achhalia during the Summer season of 2021 to evaluate the effect of sulphur, organic manure and biofertilizers on the yield and nutrient uptake of Greengram. The experiment comprised with twelve different treatment combinations arranged in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Sulphur was applied at three levels (20 kg S/ha, 30 kg S/ha, 40 kg S/ha) along with organic manure (FYM @ 5t/ha, Vermicompost @ 1 t/ha) and biofertilizers (control, PSB + Rhizobium inoculation). The findings revealed that the application of 40 kg/ha of sulphur significantly increased the seed yield, stover yield, and overall nutrient uptake, encompassing N, P, K, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu. The inclusion of organic manure, particularly FYM at 5 t/ha, led to improved nutrient uptake, specifically for N, P, K, and Cu in the Greengram crop. The introduction of biofertilizers containing PSB and rhizobium resulted in a notable improvement in seed yield, stover yield and total nutrient uptake. Additionally, the interactive effects showed a synergistic influence when combining sulphur, organic manure and biofertilizers, resulting in increased seed yield, stover yield, and total nutrient uptake for Greengram.