Growth and reproductive attributes of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) under organic and synthetic fertilization in Eastern Nepal

Abstract

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) is a short-duration, protein-rich legume widely cultivated for its nutritional value and nitrogen-fixing ability, playing a vital role in sustainable agriculture. Despite its potential, mungbean productivity in Nepal remains limited due to suboptimal nutrient management. To evaluate the impact of various organic and inorganic nutrient sources on mungbean growth and yield, a field experiment was conducted at the Directorate of Agricultural Research, Tarahara, Sunsari, during the summer season (March-June 2023). The study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and nine treatments: T1 (Control), T2 (Recommended dose of NPK: 20:40:20 kg/ha), T3 (Nano urea 2000 ml/acre per spray), T4 (Nano DAP 2000 ml/acre per spray), T5 (Farmyard manure 10 t/ha), T6 (½ Recommended NPK + ½ FYM), T7 (Seed treated with Rhizobium 25 ml/kg + 40:20 P₂O₅:K₂O kg/ha), T8 (Seed treated with PSB 25 ml/kg + 20 kg N/ha), and T9 (Seed treated with Rhizobium 25 ml/kg + PSB 25 ml/kg). Results showed significant effects on most growth and yield parameters. T4 recorded the highest grain yield (2030.02 kg/ha), pods per plant (28.83), straw yield (4026.04 kg/ha), branches per plant (5.60), and trifoliate leaves (7.17), while T3 had the highest seeds per pod (11.47). T7 excelled in nodule formation. Regression analysis indicated strong yield correlations with pods per plant (R²= 0.70), test weight (R²= 0.67), and straw yield (R² = 0.60). Treatments T4 and T6 also had the highest benefit-cost ratios (2.24 and 2.23, respectively). These findings highlight the potential of nano and integrated nutrient management in enhancing productivity while promoting sustainable and resource-efficient mungbean cultivation for future food security.