Optimization of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition for improved phenology, root dynamics, resource-use efficiency and profitability of red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in the semi-arid region of Afghanistan
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Authors
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Noor Mohammad Kakar
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Farah Institute of Higher Education, Farah, Afghanistan
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Anil K. Choudhary
Division of Crop Production, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla 171002, India
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Anchal Dass
Division of Agronomy, ICAR-Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
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G.A. Rajanna
ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Regional Station, Appangala, Karnataka 571201, India
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Qudratullah Ehsan
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Plant science, Afghanistan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University, Kandahar, Afghanistan
Keywords:
Crop phenology, nitrogen, net returns, phosphorus, root parameters, water-use efficiency.Abstract
An experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of Afghanistan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University, Kandahar during Kharif 2020 to optimize nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrition in irrigated red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) for improved crop phenology, root dynamics, yield and resourceuse efficiency in semi-arid climate. Experimental treatments comprised of 4 different N-doses (0, 40, 80, 120 kg N/ha) and 04 different P-doses (0, 30, 60, 90 kg P2O5/ha) using split-plot design replicated thrice. In general, application of 120 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P ha-1 had significantly effect on days taken for different phonological stages (maximum flowering stage, pod formation stage & physiological maturity stage) over control. Root length and dry root weight were significantly higher under treatment 120 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P ha-1 at maximum flowering stage. Red bean seed yield (2.50; 2.46 t ha-1) was significantly higher under treatment 120 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P ha-1, respectively. Again, the 120 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P ha-1 exhibited maximum gross returns (AFN 180340; 177380 ha-1); net returns (AFN 115540; 111180 ha-1), respectively. The resource-use efficiency in terms of production and monetary– efficiency and water-use efficiency followed the similar trend as that of grain yield with highest magnitude under treatment 120 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P ha- 1. Partial factor productivity of applied-N (PFPN) was significantly higher at N @ 40 kg ha-1 thereafter it showed a gradual decline till N @ 120 kg ha-1. The PFPP was significantly higher at P @ 30 kg ha-1. Overall, it was revealed that increase in N and P levels had positive impact on crop phenology with consistent and significant increase in red bean root parameters, productivity, profitability and resource-use efficiency with highest values in treatment 120 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P ha-1. In nutshells, N @ 120 kg ha-1 and P @ 90 kg ha-1 may be recommended to the farmers for improved phenology, root dynamics, resource-use efficiency and profitability in semi-arid region of Afghanistan.
