Influence of Organic Nutrient Sources on Yield and Economics of Vegetable Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.) Variety – MDU1

Abstract

Cluster bean is one of the important industrial legume crop, favoured semi-arid and arid farmers by its drought tolerance and nitrogen fixation capacity. A investigation was carried out to study the impact of various organic nutrient sources on the yield and economics of the vegetable cluster bean. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and three replications at wetland farms, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, during Kharif season, 2018. The yield parameters were recorded after each picking from five tagged plants and averaged for statistical analysis. The yield of vegetable cluster bean from the net plot area at each picking was noted. The harvest index, gross returns, net returns and the benefit-cost ratio was calculated for each of the treatment. Significantly higher pod length, pod weight, yield, harvest index and gross returns (11.6 cm, 2.4 g, 11084 kg/ha, 2.4, Rs. 1,66,254/ha, respectively) were recorded under recommended dose of fertilizer (50:50:40-N:P:K) in addition to the foliar spray of TNAU pulse wonder. However, all these parameters were statistically on par with treatments such as organic farmer’s practice and 25 t/ha of Farm yard manure (FYM) along with a foliar spray of 3% Panchagavya. But economics net returns and benefit-cost ratio were higher with humic acid @ 6 l/ha along with banana pseudostem sap @ 2% followed by Humic acid @ 6 l/ha along with Panchagavya @ 3% and organic farmers practice. Considering the safer environment, human health and economic feasibility the farmer’s practice of applying FYM @ 10 t/ha in addition with Jeevamruth @ 500l/ha and foliar spray of Panchagavya @ 3% is found to provide higher yields and profits in vegetable cluster bean.