Effect of split application of vermicompost and zinc sources on yield and nutrient uptake of greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] in semi-arid eastern plain of Rajasthan

Abstract

Zinc deficiency and poor nutrient management are major constraints in arid and semi-arid region. For efficient nutrient management strategies involving vermicompost and zinc fertilization are required to improve soil fertility and crop yield. So the experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2024 at S. K. N. College of Agriculture, Jobner, Jaipur (Rajasthan). The experiment consisting of four treatments of split application of vermicompost (Control, 100% RDV at sowing, 75% RDV at sowing + 25% RDV at 15 DAS and 50% RDV at sowing + 50% RDV at 15 DAS) and four sources of zinc application (Control, 5 kg Zn ha-1 through Zn-EDTA as soil application, 5 kg Zn ha-1 through ZnSO4.7H2O as soil application and 2.5 kg Zn ha- 1 through Zn-EDTA as soil application + 2.5 kg Zn ha-1 through ZnSO4.7H2O as soil application). The experiment was laid in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The split application of vermicompost @ 75% RDV at sowing + 25% RDV at 15 DAS and zinc sources@5 kg Zn ha-1 through ZnSO4.7H2O as soil application, increased significantly (P=0.05) the grain yield, stover yield and biological yield, nutrient content and uptake in grain and stover of greengram. The interactive effect of N, P, K and Zn uptake in grain was significantly higher with combined application @ 50% RDV at sowing + 50% RDV at 15 DAS and 5 kg Zn ha-1 through ZnSO4.7H2O as soil application compared to other treatments. However, the increase was significant upto 75% RDV at sowing + 25% RDV at 15 DAS and 5 kg Zn ha-1 through ZnSO4.7H2O as soil application (VC2Zn2) which was found to be statistically at par with VC3Zn2 (50% RDV at sowing + 50% RDV at 15 DAS and 5 kg Zn ha-1 through ZnSO4.7H2O as soil application (VC3Zn2). We concluded on the basis of experimental findings that the combined application of 75% RDV at sowing + 25% RDV at 15 DAS + 5 kg Zn ha-1 through ZnSO4.7H2O as soil application with recommended dose of fertilizer.