Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management for Environmental Sustainability on Yield and Economics of Horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.]
Nagendra Kumar Verma *
Department of Agronomy, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.), India.
Manisha
Department of Agronomy, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.), India.
Ramnath
Department of Agronomy, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The present study was conducted to evaluate the economic viability of different integrated nutrient management (INM) practices on horsegram cultivation. Economic parameters such as cost of cultivation, gross return, net return, and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio were analyzed to determine the most profitable treatment. Among the treatments, the highest cost of cultivation (₹ 23,259.06 ha⁻¹) was recorded under (50% RDF + 50% N through FYM + Rhizobium culture + PSB), mainly due to the higher requirement of farmyard manure. However, the maximum gross return (₹ 47,588.38 ha⁻¹) and net return (₹ 27,645.26 ha⁻¹) were observed in (100% RDF + Rhizobium culture + PSB), followed by (100% RDF + Rhizobium culture). Correspondingly, the highest B:C ratio (1.39) was also recorded in, indicating its superior economic performance. The control plot consistently showed the lowest values across all economic parameters. The study concludes that 100% RDF + Rhizobium culture + PSB is the most economically efficient INM practice for horsegram production, providing the highest profitability with optimal input utilization.
Keywords: Horsegram, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), cost of cultivation, RDF, Farmyard Manure (FYM), Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB)