Influence of organic foliar nutrition on the growth and yield of rice-fallow blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Annamalai University during January to March, 2024 to assess the growth and yield response of rice-fallow black gram (Vigna mungo L.) to organic foliar nutrition. A Randomized Block Design was adopted to evaluate ten treatments comprising organic and inorganic foliar sprays. Among them, the foliar application of Vermiwash 2% on 30 DAS + Panchagavya 3% on 45 DAS (T₇) significantly improved growth and yield, recording the highest plant height (49.47 cm), leaf area index (2.43), dry matter production (2206 kg ha^-1) and CGR (5.10 g m-2 day-1) at harvest stage. This treatment also achieved the highest grain yield (579 kg ha^-1) and haulm yield (1773 kg ha^-1). The lowest performance in all aspects was recorded with control (T₁₀). The study highlights that organic foliar application, particularly the combined use of Vermiwash and Panchagavya, significantly enhances the growth parameters, grain yield, haulm yield and nutrient uptake of rice-fallow black gram, promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to pulse cultivation.