Effect of Land Configuration and Fertilizer Management Practices on Growth, Yield and Yield Attributes and Economics of Summer Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) under South Gujarat Condition

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during summer 2015 at the Pulses and Castor Research station, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari to evaluate land configuration and fertilizer management practices on growth and yield parameters, yield, quality and economics of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) cultivation. Experimental plot was clayey soil having a pH 7.95 and poor in available nitrogen (210 kg/ha), medium in available phosphorus (35.15 kg/ha) and considerably rich in available potash (340.50 kg/ha). To study three methods of land configuration viz., (flat bed, ridge and furrow and raised bed) and five fertilizer management practices (FYM 4 t/ha, bio-compost 2 t/ha, FYM 2 t/ha + 50% RDF, bio-compost 1t/ha + 50% RDF and 100% RDF) were evaluated in split plot design with three replications. The raised bed method of planting was recorded significantly higher growth and yield attributes, seed yield (921 kg ha-1), stover yield (1992 kg ha-1), net returns ((₹ 36,692 ha-1) and BCR ratio (3.12) than flatbed method of sowing. Application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer gave significantly higher valve for all growth and yield attributes, seed yield, stover yield, net returns and BCR ration than other treatments.