Optimization of plant spacing and fertilizer levels for enhanced growth and yield of hybrid pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)

Abstract

To address India's increasing demand for pulses, it is imperative to enhance the productivity of pigeonpea hybrids through the implementation of advanced agronomic practices, specifically modify to optimize their potential across diverse soil types. Therefore, we conducted a field experiment combining plant geometry and nutrient management strategy on hybrid pigeonpea (ICP 15-3) in black soil at Regional Agriculture Research Station, Warangal, Telangana during kharif 2024-25. In hybrid pigeonpea, more grain yield (1178 kg/ha) and B:C ratio was recorded with plant geometry 120 x 30 cm (27,777 Plants/ha) and 2.33 respectively and it was at par with 90 x 30 cm (37,037 Pl/ha) (1146 kg/ha) and 2.24. Among the fertilizer doses significantly higher yields and B:C ratio obtained in 25: 50:25: 20 kg NPKS /ha + NPKZn Bio consortia (1276 kg/ha) and 2.47 respectively, which is on par with 20: 40:25: 20 kg NPKS /ha + NPKZn Bio consortia (1247 kg/ha) and B:C ratio of 2.48 when compared other treatments. Interaction between spacing and fertilizer levels was significant. Among fertilizer treatments, F6 (30:60:30:20 kg NPKS ha⁻¹ + bio-consortia) significantly enhanced available soil N, P and K after harvest, indicating improvement in soil fertility status. Higher nutrient uptake by plants under F4 treatment could be attributed to synergistic effects of inorganic fertilizers and bio-consortia, which enhance nutrient solubilization and absorption efficiency.