OPTIMIZING PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY IN RAINFED LEGUME CROPS THROUGH BALANCED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Missing-element technique field experiments were carried out for determining the components of balanced nutrient management in rainfed chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper). Omission of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) in the fertilizer package did not affect production of either crop. However, missing of phosphorus (P) and boron (B) reduced yield of both crops drastically and omission of zinc (Zn) reduced yii Id of chickpea only. Concentrations of P, B and Zn in chickpea leaves were reduced appreciably where the respective nutrients were not applied. The economics of using P, B and Zn in chickpea, and P and B in blackgram was very attractive from growers' point of view.