Phosphorus and Biofertilizer Management for Enhanced Growth, Yield and Profitability of Irrigated Blackgram

Abstract

Aims: This study investigates the effect of phosphorus and biofertilizer management on growth and yield of irrigated blackgram. Study Design and Methodology: The treatment was imposed in randomised block design (RBD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications. Place and Duration of study: The study took place in Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. The research was conducted from January - April 2025. VBN-8 variety was chosen for the experiment. Results: The results of the experiment revealed that among various treatments involved, 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 + seed treatment and soil application of PSB + AM fungi (T12) recorded the highest values of plant height of 50.79 cm, LAI of 4.29, effective root nodules of 44.76, number of branches plant-1 of 9.78 and dry matter production of 2197 kg ha-1, seed yield of 1026 kg ha-1 and haulm yield of 1449 kg ha-1. The application of 40 kg P₂O₅ with seed treatment and soil application of PSB and AM fungi (T11) recorded the highest B:C ratio of 2.63 with gross income of Rs. 87,943 and net returns of Rs. 54,559 ha-1. Conclusion: The application of 60 kg P₂O₅ ha-1 along with seed treatment and soil application of PSB and AM fungi (T12) recorded the highest values across most parameters, including growth traits, yield attributes and both seed and haulm yield of blackgram. In terms of economics, application of 40 kg P₂O₅ ha-1 + seed treatment and soil application of PSB and AM fungi (T11) recorded highest benefit cost ratio. Based on the above experimental results, it may be concluded that the application of P2O5 @ 40 kg ha-1 along with seed treatment and soil application of PSB and AM fungi (T11) is an effective practice for yield maximization in irrigated blackgram.