Organic manure and biofertilisers enhance growth and yield performance of black gram

Abstract

In Bangladesh, sole dependence on inorganic fertilisers has led to declining soil organic matter, nutrient imbalance, and progressive soil health degradation. Therefore, nutrient management involving organic manures and biofertilisers is essential for restoring soil fertility and sustaining long-term crop productivity under intensive agricultural systems. In this context, a field experiment was conducted from February to June 2022 to evaluate the effects of organic manures and biofertilisers on growth, physiological attributes, and yield performance of black gram (Vigna mungo). The experiment was laid out in a two-factor randomised complete block design with three replications. Factor A consisted of three varieties (BARI mash-1, BARI mash-3, and BARI mash-4), while Factor B included five nutrient management treatments: recommended dose of fertilisers, poultry litter-based compost (PLBC), BARI biofertiliser, BINA biofertiliser, and biochar. Significant effects of variety, nutrient management, and their interaction were observed for most measured parameters, although the significance varied among traits and growth stages. PLBC application markedly improved growth and yield attributes, including plant height, branching, root development, pod number, grain yield, straw yield, SPAD value, and 1000-seed weight, in some treatments. Among the varieties, BARI mash-1 recorded superior performance with the highest grain yield, whereas BARI mash-4 showed the lowest. The interaction effect revealed the highest yield in BARI mash-1 under PLBC, while the lowest was observed in BARI mash-4 with biochar. Overall, PLBC demonstrated the most effective nutrient management strategy for enhancing black gram productivity under field conditions.