Effect of Sulphur Sources and Levels on Yield and Quality of Summer Cowpea in Middle Gujarat, India

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Bidi Tobacco Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, during summer 2013–2014 to investigate the "Effect of sources and levels of sulphur on green pod yield of summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) under middle Gujarat conditions. Nine treatment combinations comprising of three sources of sulphur (Gypsum, Bentonite and Elemental sulphur), and three levels of sulphur (10, 20 and 30 kg ha-1) along with one control were tried out in a Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with four replications. Different sources of sulphur did not show their significant influence on number of green pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, length of pod, total green pod yield, dry stover yield and dry weight of root nodules plant-1. However numerically higher values of total green pod and dry stover yields were obtained due to source of Gypsum. Quality parameters viz., protein content, crude fiber content and chlorophyll content of leaves showed that different sources of sulphur did not reach at a level of significance. Even though, the highest protein content in seeds and higher crude fiber content were recorded due to application of 30 kg S/ha. Whereas, chlorophyll content in leaves at 30 and 60 DAS was not affected significantly due to different sources and levels of sulphur. But, rest of the treatments registered significantly the maximum values of yields and yield as well as quality parameters of cowpea. Vegetable Cowpea could be secured by applying sulphur @ 20-30 kg S/ ha through Gypsum or Bentonite during summer season under middle Gujarat conditions.