Integrated approach to enhanching cowpea yield, quality and nutrient composition using foliar supplements
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: An agronomic study on cowpea yield, quality and nutrient composition impacted by foliar supplements was carried out in a field experiment at the College Farm, NM College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, during the 2021 kharif season. The experimental plot's soil had a clayey texture and an alkaline reaction. Eight treatment were tested in this experiment using a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that the T3 - foliar spray of 2% urea at 35 and 50 DAS significantly influenced all the cowpea yield and yield parameters, including pod length, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, and seed and haulm yield. It was statistically at par with T4 (foliar spray of Pulse Wonder fertilizer at 5 kg/ha) and T2 (foliar spray of 1% Novel). Protein content was significantly influenced by foliar spray of 2% of Urea at 35 and 50 DAS and it was found statistically at par with T4 and T2. Significant increased N content in seed and haulm were shown under foliar spray of 2% Urea. While Fe and Zn content found significantly highest under T5 (Foliar spray of chealated micronutrient Fe and Zn at 0.5% at 35 and 50 DAS). T3 recorded the highest net return of 46659 ₹/ha and greatest B: C ratio (2.97), which was followed by treatments T4 (2.71) and T2 (2.64). Based on the results of a year-long experiment, it can be concluded that full doses of RDF (20:40:00 NPK kg/ha) should be used to grow kharif cowpea, along with foliar sprays of 2% urea or 5% Pulse Wonder fertilizer or 1% Novel (Nauroji organic product) at 35 and 50 DAS to increase yield and financial returns.
Authors: Sachin Dodiya, Dr. Rahul Pisal, Kuldip Chaudhary, Hitesh Katariya
Institution: Navsari Agricultural University
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4390673411