Effect of nano phosphorus conjugate levels and different mulches on growth indices of green gram (Vigna radiata. L)

The research entitled “Effect of Nano Phosphorus Conjugate Levels and different Mulches on Growth indices of Green Gram (Vigna radiata. L)” was conducted during the summer season of 2025 at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Dapoli. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design comprising three levels of nano phosphorus conjugate levels (P₁ - Nano phosphorus @ 100 ppm, P₂ -Nano conjugate phosphorus @ 100 ppm, and P₃ - Nano conjugate phosphorus @ 200 ppm) as main plot treatments, and six mulches treatments including 100% wool mulch (200GSM) (M₁), 100% wool mulch with micronutrients (200GSM) (M₂), polythene mulch (Silver black 30 micron) (M₃), paddy straw mulch (M₄), wool-coir-jute blend (200GSM) (M₅), and without mulch (M₆) in sub-plots. Results revealed that nano phosphorus conjugate @ 200 ppm (P₃) significantly enhanced plant growth attributes such as plant height, number of branches, trifoliate leaves, leaf area, and leaf area index, at all growth stages of green gram. Similarly, mulch treatment 100% wool mulch with micronutrients (M₂) highest value recorded. The interaction of nano phosphorus conjugate @ 200 ppm and 100% wool mulch with micronutrients (P₃M₂) was found to be most effective in enhancing growth parameters, including maximum plant height (51.10 cm), number of branches (5.58), Leaf area (1529.13cm²), Leaf area index (2.45) plant dry matter accumulation (17.95 g) and number of nodules at peak flowering (37.52). conversely, the highest number of nodules at flowering initiation (45.17) was recorded under the treatment combination of nano phosphorus conjugate @ 200 ppm combined paddy straw mulch (P₃M₄). From the study, it is concluded that the application of nano phosphorus conjugate @ 200 ppm in combination with 100% wool mulch enriched with micronutrients (P₃M₂) offers a sustainable and effective agronomic strategy for maximizing green gram productivity and profitability during summer season under Konkan conditions.