Effect of cow-based bio-enhancers and botanicals on yield, yield attributes and economics of soybean (Glycine max) and their residual effect on wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted during 2018–19 and 2019–20 at Instructional Farm, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat, to study the effect of cow based bio-enhancers and botanicals on productivity and profitability of soybean [Glycine max. (L.) Merr.] and their residual effect on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was laid out in randomized-block design with 12 treatment combinations of compost, botanicals and bio-enhancers, including 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and replicated thrice. Significantly highest number of pods/plant (59.33), seeds/pod (3.83), test weight (14.77), seed yield (2.50 t/ha), stover yield (3.08 t/ha) and harvest index (44.8%) of soybean were recorded with application of 100% RDF, i.e. 30, 60 and 0 kg N, P and K/ha, followed by application of vermicompost @ 4 t/ha and application of farmyard manure @ 10 t/ha. Similarly, findings of wheat experiment under residual fertility revealed that, the significantly highest spikelets/spike (13.17), grains/spike (34.33), 1,000-grain volume (42.83 ml), 1,000-grains weight (50.83 g), grain yield (3.90 t/ha) and straw yield (6.95 t/ha) of wheat were recorded with application vermicompost @ 4 t/ha followed by FYM @ 10 t/ha and vermicompost @ 2 t/ha + Panchgavya @ 3% as foliar spray at 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). The highest net profit (129,694/ha) and benefit: cost ration (4.53) were recorded with application of FYM @ 5 t/ha + Panchgavya @ 3% as foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS.