Response of various levels of nitrogen and phosphorus application on growth, physiological parameters and yield of Vigna radiata (L.) wilczek under rainfed and mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 1998 and 1999 under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh to study the effect of various levels of nitrOgen and phosphorus on growth, physiological characters and yield of green gram. Single and combined application of nitrogen and phosphorus led to substantial increase in crop growth rate, relative growth rate and photosynthetlc efficiency at various stages of crop growth. Each level of fertilizer showed a significant increase over their respective preceding level. Application of 20 kg N/ha and 60 kg Pps/ha produced significantly higher CGR, RGR and photosynthetic efficiency. The maximum value of CGR and RGR was recorded at 30–45 days after sowing of crop arid photosynthetic efficiency was highest at flowering stage in all the treatments. The days taken to achieve 50% flowering and maturity were significantly affected by the application of nitrogen and phosphorus. Significantly higher seed yield was achieved with a dose of 20kg N and 60 kg P₂O₅/ha.