Growth, crop productivity, nutrient uptake, and soil fertility as influenced by different organic manures in green gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Enhancing crop productivity while maintaining soil health remains a significant challenge in tropical agroecosystems, particularly in pulse-based systems such as green gram ( Vigna radiata L. Wilczek). Excessive use of chemical fertilizers has led to long-term declines in soil fertility, highlighting the need for sustainable nutrient management approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various organic composts and cow-based formulations on soil health, root growth, nutrient uptake, and productivity of green gram. A two-year field experiment was conducted using a split-plot design with three replications. Main plot treatments included five organic manures: cow farmyard manure (FYM 5.0 t ha -1 ), cow dung compost (CDC 5.0 t ha -1 ), buffalo dung compost (BDC 5.0 t ha -1 ), goat dung compost (GDC 5.0 t ha -1 ), and goat dung compost (GDC 2.5 t ha -1 ). Sub-plot treatments comprised cow urine spray (CU5%), biodynamic manure BD-500 (75 g ha -1 soil spray), and BD-501 (2.5 g ha -1 plant spray). Application of GDC at 5 t ha -1 significantly increased seed and stover yields by 17.4% and 23.1%, respectively, over FYM, and improved soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, and phosphorus, comparable to CDC. Higher GDC rates (5 t ha -1 ) outperformed the lower dose (2.5 t ha -1 ), with consistent benefits across both years. Cow-based bioformulations provided additional improvements but were secondary to the effects of compost. Higher rates (5.0 t ha -1 ) of goat or cow compost substantially enhance green gram productivity and key soil fertility indicators. • Goat dung compost 5 t ha -1 (GDC5) improved greengram height to 53.9 cm and pod number to 24.1, boosting yield. • Root nodules peaked with GDC5 at 32 plant -1 and dry weight 0.256 g, 25% above goat dung compost 2.5 t ha -1 (GDC2.5). • Seed yield rose 17–23% and stover yield 14–20% under GDC5 compared to FYM5 control. • Soil fertility improved with GDC5, recording SOC 0.251% and N 174 kg ha -1 post-harvest. • Fresh cow urine 5% (CU5%) spray enhanced nutrient uptake, raising seed N to 28.5 kg ha -1 and P to 4.05 kg ha -1 .
Institutions: Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Rai University
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,530
OpenAlex ID: W4415535586