Nutrient Balance and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Irrigated Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under Various Integrated Nutrient Management Practices

Aims: To evaluate the nutrient balance and nutrient use efficiency of irrigated pigeon peas under various integrated fertilizers

Place and Duration of Study: The field trial was conducted at Instructional Farm (North), Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore.

Methodology: During the growth phase of the pigeon pea crop, the soil's nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels were monitored to assess their essential nutrient balance. This evaluation was conducted for each treatment, considering the specific nutrient application given to the crop. Additionally, the total quantity of nutrient uptake and the efficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium utilization were calculated.

Results: Higher availability of nutrients and nutrient uptake at harvest and the maximum values of computed balance and gain values in the nutrient balance studies and agronomic efficiency were observed in the integrated application of 75% RDF + 25% N eq as vermicompost (T2)

Conclusion: The integrated application of 75% RDF + 25% N eq as vermicompost (T2) resulted in maximum available nutrients, plant uptake, agronomic efficiency and computed balance nutrient gain.