Assessing the role of various organic inputs and bio-stimulants on the growth, yield and quality traits of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) in an Alfisols

A field experiment was carried out in summer season 2025 at Chatabar Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University) in Khurdha district of Odisha to investigate the role of various organic inputs and bio-stimulants on the growth, yield, and quality traits of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) in Alfisols. Green gram, a protein-rich pulse crop critical to food and nutritional security in India, faces yield stagnation in regions like Odisha due to imbalanced nutrient management and degraded soil health. In response to concerns over chemical-intensive agriculture, this study explored the efficacy of integrated organic nutrient management strategies on green gram cultivation under Alfisols of Eastern India. The field experiment involved 12 treatments comprising combinations of farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, biofertilizers (Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria), Jeevamruth, and seaweed extract, laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The objective was to assess the impact of organic inputs and biostimulants on plant growth dynamics, physiological traits, yield attributes, productivity, post-harvest soil fertility, and economic viability. The treatment B11—comprising FYM, vermicompost, Rhizobium, PSB, Jeevamruth, and seaweed extract—consistently outperformed all others, recording the highest plant height, chlorophyll content, leaf area index, and total dry matter at all stages. It also led to significantly higher yield attributes (number of pods per plant, seeds per pod and test weight), maximum grain yield (995 kg/ha) and haulm yield (3484 kg/ha). Soil analysis post- harvest showed marked improvements in organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in B11, validating its role in enhancing soil health. Furthermore, this treatment yielded the highest net return (Rs 37590/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (1.85), indicating superior economic efficiency. The findings underscore that holistic organic nutrient modules, especially those integrating multiple bio-resources, can substantially enhance productivity and sustainability of pulse-based farming systems in ecologically fragile zones. This research offers a promising organic strategy for small holder farmers, promoting environmentally sound and economically viable agriculture under low-input conditions.