Effect of vermicompost and biofertilizer on yield, quality and economics of cowpea

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2012 on loamy sand soil to study the
effect of vermicompost and biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of cowpea. The experiment
consisted of four treatments of vermicompost (control, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 t ha–1) and four treatment of
biofertilizers (control, Rhizobium, PSB and Rhizobium + PSB) thereby making sixteen treatment
combinations tested in randomized block design with four replications. Results indicated the
application of vermicompost 4.0 t ha–1 maximum and significantly higher the net returns over other
treatments and remained at par with 6.0 t ha–1 of vermicompost. However, seed, straw and biological
yield, total root nodules and Leghaemoglobin content significantly increased upto 6.0 t ha–1 and
remained at par with 4.0 t ha–1 of vermicompost over other treatments. But, application of
vermicompost @ 6.0 t ha–1 significantly higher in case of protein content and effective root nodules
over other treatments. The nitrogen fixation capacity unchanged under different levels of
vermicompost. Results further indicated that seed inoculation with the Rhizobium + PSB significantly
higher seed, straw and biological yield, protein content, total root nodules, effective root nodule,
leghaemoglobin content, nitrogen capacity and net returns over control and other treatments.