Integrated nutrient management enhances growth, productivity and profitability of greengram (Vigna radiata L.) in rice fallow ecosystems of Eastern India

Rice fallow systems hold considerable potential for pulse cultivation, but yields are often limited due to inadequate nutrient management. A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2017-18 at OUAT, Bhubaneswar to assess the effect of foliar nutrient application on the growth, nodulation, and productivity of greengram (Vigna radiata L.) variety IPM 02-14 under rice fallow conditions. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with twelve treatments, combining basal fertilization (RDF: 20:40:20 N:P₂O₅:K₂O kg ha⁻¹) with foliar sprays of urea (2%), DAP (2%), and NPK (19:19:19, 2%) applied at 26 and 36 DAS.

Results indicated that RDF as basal combined with 2% NPK (19:19:19) foliar sprays at 26 and 36 DAS significantly improved all growth parameters, including plant height (37.13 cm), number of branches per plant (4.8), leaf area (71.6 cm² plant⁻¹), and dry matter accumulation (10.90 g plant⁻¹). This treatment also produced the highest seed yield of 676 kg ha⁻¹, representing a 133% increase over the control (290 kg ha⁻¹). However, the combination of RDF with 2% DAP foliar spray resulted in the highest net returns (₹18,644 ha⁻¹) and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.92.