Effect of Tillage Practices and Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) at Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

A field investigation was conducted at Central Research Farm of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India during Zaid season of 2023. The experimental plot was laid down into a randomized block design with 9 treatments replicated thrice, consist of 3 levels each of tillage practices and RDF (0 %, 50%, 100%) and 1level of vermicompost (5 t ha -1). Results revealed that maximum bulk density (1.29 Mg m-3) and soil pH (7.10) were found in T1 (Tillage @ 0% + RDF @ 0% +VC @ 5t ha-1). The others soil parameters like porosity (55.60 %),water holding capacity (46.63 %), organic carbon (0.49 %), electrical conductivity(0.25 dS m-1), available Nitrogen (331.54 kg ha-1), available Phosphorus (28 kg ha-1), available Potassium (193.73 kg ha-1 ) were recorded maximum in T9 (Tillage @ 100% + RDF @ 100% +VC @ 5t ha-1) .Whereas best yield (150.56 q ha-1 ) was also recorded in T9 (Tillage @ 100% + RDF @ 100% +VC @ 5t ha-1) .Economic parameters like gross return (₹271008.00 ha-1) and net return (₹152323.00 ha-1) were found to be maximum in T9 (Tillage @ 100% + RDF @ 100% +VC @ 5t ha-1) and best cost benefit ratio (C: B) was recorded as (1:2.28) in treatment T9 (Tillage @ 100% + RDF @ 100% +VC @ 5t ha-1). Integrated approach of application of RDF (NPK), vermicompost along with 100% tillage practices found to be the best treatment as the soil parameters and plant growth parameters significantly affected with the different levels of nutrient and tillage practices.