Synergistic effect of inorganic fertilizer, organic manure and biofertilizer on the performance of moong bean (Vigna radiata L.)

Introduction

Moongbean (Vigna radiata L.) is an important pulse crop widely grown in India and other parts of South and East Asia. Moong bean is recognized as a promising legume in India because of its nutritional quality, offering high protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients (Dahiya et al., 2015) [8] . In India, moongbean ranks as the third most widely grown and produced pulse crop, following chickpea and pigeon pea. India also holds the top spot in global pulse production, contributing approximately 26.8% to the total world output with approximately 26.05 million tonnes of pulses production in 2022-23 with cultivated area of 29-30 million hactares, During the 2023-24 agricultural year, moongbean accounted for around 10.04% of India's total pulse production, covered 3.09 million hectares and produced approximately 1.51 million tonnes with an average yield of 489 kg ha -1 . In Punjab, moong bean is grown mainly after wheat harvest, occupying about 3.3 thousand hectares and producing 3.3 thousand tonnes with an average yield of 996 kg ha -1 . Moongbean plays a important role in Indian agriculture. It is among the major pulse crops in India, cultivated under sole, mixed, and multiple cropping systems during the kharif (rainy), spring and summer seasons across a broad spectrum of agro-climatic conditions (Ram et al., 2014) [16] . Besides its food value, it benefits soil health by fixing atmospheric nitrogen through symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria. This biological nitrogen fixation can contribute between 9 and 137 kg N ha -1 , reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers for following crops. Moreover, incorporating residues to the soil promotes biological activity, as indicated by increased levels of dehydrogenase activity and carbon dioxide (CO₂) evolution (Singh and Sekhon. 2005) [21] . The residual benefits of moong bean cultivation on subsequent cereal crops contributing the equivalent of up to 68 kg ha -1 of nitrogen fertilizer (Wani et al., 1995) [24] . However, the productivity of moong bean in India remains lower than its potential, mainly due to poor nutrient management. Excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers has led to soil degradation, nutrient imbalance, and increased production costs, making cultivation less sustainable (Diwedi and Diwedi, 2007) [9] . Organic fertilizers such as farmyard manure (FYM) improve soil structure, microbial activity, and nutrient availability (Fairhurst, 2012; Babulkar et al., 2000) [10,3] , while biofertilizers like Rhizobium inoculants enhance nitrogen fixation and plant growth (Kalson et al, 2024) [11] . Combining organic, inorganic, and biofertilizer sources has been shown to improve crop yields, nutrient uptake, and soil health while reducing production costs (Kapoor et al., 2019; Verma et al., 2025; Meena et al., 2015) [2,23,15] . To enhance food and nutritional security while ensuring sustainable agriculture, there is a growing emphasis on integrating grain legumes into cereal based cropping systems to boost productivity and profitability. Considering this, the present study aims to identify effective nutrient management strategies for moong bean cultivation. Specifically, it aims to examine how various sources of nutrients including organic manure, inorganic and biofertilizers affect the growth and yield of moong bean, with the goal of improving both crop performance and farmer's income.

Materials and Methods

Experiment site and climatic data

The present study was carried out during the Kharif 2024 at the Research farm of Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, located in Bathinda district. The experimental site lies at a latitude of 29.98°N, longitude of 75.09°E, and an elevation of 208 meters above sea level. The soil of the field was classified as loamy sand in texture, slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 7.73) with normal electrical conductivity (0.26 dSm -1 ), and it is characterized by low organic carbon content (0.30%). It was deficient in available nitrogen (114.25 kg ha -1 ), medium in phosphorus (16.9 kg ha -1 ), and medium in available potassium (218.6 kg ha -1 ). Climatic data recorded during the experimental period (July to October 2024) showed that the average maximum temperature peaked at 40.6°C in July, while the minimum temperature dropped to 19.8°C in October. Evaporation rates during this period ranged from 11.0 mm in July to 3.6 mm in October. Rainfall varied considerably, with the lowest rainfall of 3.8 mm recorded in October, and the highest of 115.3 mm observed in July.

Treatments and Agronomic practices

The experiment comprised eight treatment combinations and was set up in a Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Treatments were T 1 Control (no fertilizers or seed inoculation), T 2 Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) {12.5 N: 40 P₂O₅: 0 K₂O kg ha⁻¹}, T 3 Rhizobium inoculation + 75% RDF, T 4 FYM (5 t ha⁻¹) + 75% RDF, T 5 Rhizobium inoculation + FYM (5 t ha⁻¹) + 75% RDF, T 6 Rhizobium inoculation + 100% RDF, T 7 FYM (5 t ha⁻¹) + 100% RDF, and T 8 Rhizobium inoculation + FYM (5 t ha⁻¹) + 100% RDF. The moongbean variety 'ML 2056' was sown at 4-6 cm depth with a seed drill at row spacing of 30 cm on 13th July 2024. Seed rates of 20 kg ha -1 for moongbean was used. Organic and inorganic fertilizers were applied as per treatments. Recommended dose of nitrogen (12.5 kg N ha -1 ) and phosphorus (40 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 ) were applied through urea (46% N) and SSP (16% P 2 O 5 ) fertilizers. The organic manure (well decomposed FYM) was applied at the rate of 5 t ha -1 five day prior to sowing. Seeds were treated with Rhizobium innoculation (25g kg -1 seeds) as per treatment by making slurry of Rhizobium culture using 10% jaggery solution. Rhizobium was purchased from Krishi vigyan kendra, Bathinda.

Observation recorded

Observations on growth and yield attributes were recorded at 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) and at harvest. Plant height was measured from the base to the tip of the main shoot on five randomly selected plants plot -1 , and the mean was expressed in centimetres. The number of branches plant -1 was counted on the same five plants, and averages were computed. Dry matter accumulation was determined by recording the fresh weight of plant samples, followed by shade drying and oven drying at 60°C until constant weight, and expressed in q ha⁻¹. Yield attributes including the number of pods plant -1 , seeds pod -1 (from 20 randomly selected pods), and pod length were recorded. The 1000-grain weight was measured using a electronic balance. Seed and stover yields were recorded plot wise, sun dried, weighed and expressed in q ha⁻¹. Biological yield was calculated as the sum of seed and stover yields, while Harvest index (%) was was calculated by dividing economic (grain) yield by the total biological (grain + stover) yield and expressed as percentage.

Economics

To determine the most economically beneficial treatment, an economic analysis of the various treatments was conducted based on net return (Rs/ha), using current market prices. This analysis aimed to identify the most profitable option. Net return was calculated by subtracting cost of cultivation from gross return. Additionally, the benefit cost (BC) ratio was computed for each treatment to assess its economic feasibility, using the following formula.

Statistical analysis

The data collected from the field trials were subjected to statistical analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The analysis was performed using OPSTAT software developed by O.P. Sheoran at CCS HAU, Hisar (Sheoran et al., 1998) [19] , specifically designed for agricultural research. To compare treatment means and assess the significance of differences, the critical difference (CD) was calculated at the 5% level of significance.

Results and Discussion

Growth parameters of moong bean

Plant height of moong bean varied significantly under different combinations of organic manure, inorganic and biofertilizer applications (Table 1). A rapid increase in plant height was observed from 30 to 60 DAS after which the growth rate slowed. The maximum plant height (28.5, 64.5, and 67.3 cm at 30 DAS, 60 DAS, and at harvest respectively) was recorded under treatment T₈ Rhizobium inoculation + FYM (5 t ha⁻¹) + 100% RDF, which was statistically at par with T₅ Rhizobium inoculation + FYM (5 t ha⁻¹) + 75% RDF recording heights of 27.5, 63.5, and 66.2 cm at the corresponding stages significantly higher than control. The number of branches plant -1 increased progressively from 30 DAS to harvest (Table 1). The highest number (5.70) was observed in T 8 Rhizobium + FYM (5 t ha -1 ) + 100% RDF, which was statistically at par with T 5 (5.40) and T 6

(5.06) The lowest were recorded in the control treatment. Dry matter accumulation (q ha -1 ) increased significantly from 30 DAS to harvest in response to various combinations of organic manure, inorganic and biofertilizers (Table 1). The highest accumulation (34.4 q ha -1 ) was recorded under T 8 Rhizobium + FYM (5 t ha -1 ) + 100% RDF, which was statistically at par with T 5 (32.3 q ha -1 ). The lowest (20.8 q ha -1 ) were observed in the control. Rhizobium with inorganic and organic fertilizer increased the availability of Nitrogen to plant that might help in increased cell size and vegetative growth. Increased dry matter accumulation under these treatments indicates superior photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient uptake, leading to robust biomass production. Similar results showed by Kapoor et al., (2019) [2] , Ahmad et al., (2014) [1] and Singh et al.,(2017) [22] that applying various nutrient combinations significantly affected the plant's ability to produce dry matter and increased height.

Yield attributes of moong bean

Significant variation was observed in yield attributes such as pods plant -1 , seeds pod -1 , and 1000-grain weight due to different combinations of organic manure, inorganic and biofertilizers (Table 1). The highest number of pods plant -1 (25.9), pod length (9.6 cm), seeds pod -1 (13.9), and 1000-grain weight (39.2 g) were recorded in T 8 Rhizobium + FYM (5 t ha -1 ) + 100% RDF, which was statistically at par with T 5 and T 6 . The lowest values for these traits were observed in the control. Improvements in moong bean yield attributes such as pods plant -1 , pod length, seeds pod -1 , and 1000-grain weight under integrated nutrient management can be attributed to enhanced nutrient availability, better root growth and improved physiological processes that promote efficient assimilate partitioning to reproductive organs (Singh et al., 2020; Meena et al., 2015) [20,15] . This study's results align with earlier findings in pulses, where combined use of organic, inorganic, and biofertilizers improved pod formation, seed development, and grain weight (Matkarimov et al., 2019; Yadav et al., 2001) [14,25] . Additionally, increased 1000-grain weight indicates superior seed filling, supported by enhanced micronutrient availability and soil enzyme activity under integrated management (Choudhary et al., 2011) [6,7] .

Productivity of moong bean

Application of different combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers with Rhizobium significantly influenced seed yield, stover yield, and biological yield of mungbean (Tables 2). The highest seed yield (10.7 q ha -1 ), stover yield (32.1 q ha -1 ), and biological yield (42.5 q ha -1 ) were recorded in T 8 Rhizobium + FYM (5 t ha -1 ) + 100% RDF which was statistically at par with T5 and T6 and significantly higher than control. This enhanced performance can be attributed to the complementary roles played by these inputs. Inorganic fertilizers provide a quick and readily available source of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, promoting rapid vegetative growth. FYM acts as a slow release nutrient source that improves soil physical properties, water-holding capacity, and microbial activity (Brar et al., 1995) [5] . Rhizobium inoculation enhances biological nitrogen fixation and contributing to sustained nitrogen availability throughout the crop cycle (Kalson et al., 2024) [11] . The combined use of these inputs not only supplies nutrients more efficiently but also improves soil health, thus creating a favourable environment for moong bean growth. The synergistic interaction might results from improved nutrient use efficiency, better root development, and higher enzymatic and microbial activity in the rhizosphere, which are critical for pulse crops that have relatively short duration and high nutrient demand during reproductive stages (Kumar et al., 2003,2017) [13,12] . Similar findings were reported by Rana and Singh (2012) [17] , who observed that moong bean yield significantly improved with the integrated use of FYM and biofertilizers along with chemical fertilizers.

Economic of moong bean

Economic analysis (Table 2) revealed that the highest cost of cultivation (Rs.27,360 ha -1 ) was incurred in T 8 Rhizobium + FYM (5 t ha -1 ) + 100% RDF, followed by T 7 (Rs.27,160 ha -1 ), while the lowest was in the control (Rs.20,660 ha -1 ). Gross returns were also highest in T 8 (Rs.93,158 ha -1 ), followed by T 5 (Rs.87,080 ha -1 ), with the lowest in T 1 (Rs.54,349 ha -1 ). Correspondingly, the highest net returns (Rs.65,798 ha -1 ) and benefit cost ratio (2.40) were recorded in T 8 , while the lowest net return (Rs.33,689 ha -1 ) and B:C ratio (1.63) were observed in the control. These results highlight the economic advantage of integrating Rhizobium, FYM, and inorganic fertilizers in moongbean cultivation. Similar results were reported by Meena et al., (2015) [15] .

Conclusion

The results of the study show that the treatment T 8 Rhizobium inoculation + FYM (5 t ha -1 ) + 100% RDF significantly enhanced growth and yield attributes of moongbean, including plant height, number of leaves and branches plant -1 , dry matter accumulation, number of pods plant -1 , pod length, 1000-grain weight, seed yield, stover yield, and biological yield. However, T 5 Rhizobium inoculation + FYM (5 t ha -1 ) + 75% RDF was statistically at par with T 8 across most parameters, suggesting that a 25% reduction in chemical fertilizer application can be achieved without compromising productivity. This finding underscores the potential of integrated nutrient management for promoting sustainable and resource efficient agriculture. Furthermore, T 8 and T 6 Rhizobium inoculation + 100% RDF recorded comparable benefit:cost ratios (2.40 and 2.37, respectively), T 6 offering a viable, cost-effective option for small and resource-limited farmers.

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