1College of Agriculture, GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar – 263 145, Uttarakhand, India
2Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute, Bhavnagar-364 002, Gujarat, India
*Mohd Yaseen () E mail: yaseenkhanagri@gmail.com
Online published on 11 October, 2017.
A field experiment was conducted to evaluate impact of seaweed (Kappaphycus sp. and Gracilaria sp.) saps on chemical soil health, growth and yield of Vigna mungo. Foliar application of saps was carried out 35 days after sowing and at flowering with four concentrations (2.5, 5, 10 and 15%) of K-sap and G-sap separately, 7.5% of K-sap + 50% RDF and control. At harvest, highest build up of organic carbon was recorded due to 15% K-sap foliar application while highest available N was observed due to 10 and 15% K-sap. Foliar application of 7.5% K-sap + 50% RDF and 5% G-sap supported the highest available P and K in soil at harvest, respectively. At flowering, highest nodule number of 43 plant−1 was recorded due to 5% G-sap. Foliar application of seaweed saps at various concentrations, except 2.5%, enhanced the grain yield by 27.43% over control. The foliar application of 7.5% K-sap + 50% of RDF also produced the 25.73% higher grain yield over control which was at par with those of other treatments, saving 50% of chemical fertilizers vis-a-vis environmental pollution
Black gram, seaweed, Kappaphycus sp, Gracilaria sp, nodulation, soil quality, grain yield
