Impact of Different Levels of NPK and Neem Cake on Soil Health under Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Var. Gomati

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during March-June (Late Zaid) 2022 at the research farm of Department Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, NAI, SHUATS, laid out in Randomized Block Design. To achieve higher growth and yield of rainy cowpea variety Gomati, it was observed that application of  @ 100% NPK+ @ 100% Neem Cake has shown effective growth under Prayagraj climatic conditions but also improved significantly. physical and chemical properties of soil. This physico-chemical like Bulk density, Partical density, Pore space (%), Water Holding Capacity (%), pH, Electrical conductivity (dS m-1), Organic Carbon (%), Available Nitrogen (kg ha-1), Available Phosphorous (kg ha-1), Available Potassium (kg ha-1) were analysis. Result revealed that Soil Organic carbon content, Water holding capacity and available NPK significantly increased in after harvest of cowpea in T9, whereas Bulk density (Mg m-3), particle density (Mg m-3) and pH recorded minimum value. Therefore treatment T9 was best in terms of growth, yield and economic parameters with maximum plant height, number of branches plant-1, pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, pod yield and maximum cost benefit ratio.