Author(s): K. SOWMYA, J.S. BINDHU, P. SHALINI PILLAI, D. JACOB AND R. GLADIS

Abstract: A research experiment was carried ou at southern coastal plain of Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during 2021-22, to study the effect of crop geometry and foliar nutrition in green gram on weed dynamics and soil health. The experiment was done in split plot design replicated four times. The main plots were spacing, S₁- 25 cm × 15 cm with one seedling, S₂ - 25 cm × 15 cm with two seedlings, S₃ - 25 cm × 25 cm with one seedling and S₄- 25 cm × 25 cm with two seedlings. The sub plots were foliar nutrition, F₁ - Urea at 2%, F₂ - DAP at 2%, F₃ - KNO3 at 0.5% and F₄ - DAP at 2% + KNO₃ at 0.5% at 15 and 30DAS. The study indicated that grasses were the predominant weed flora and the lowest weed density and dry weight were in 25 cm × 15 cm with two seedlings along with foliar application of DAP at 2%. The spacing of 25 cm × 15 cm showed more organic carbon and available nitrogen than 25 cm × 25 cm. Among the foliar nutrition, application of DAP at 2% showed more organic carbon and nitrogen status and for phosphorus and potassium, application with DAP at 2% + KNO3 at 0.5% were the best. Growing green gram with close spacing of 25 cm × 15 cm along with foliar application of DAP at 2% or DAP at 2% + KNO3 at 0.5% at 15 and 30 days after sowing were found promising for enhancing soil fertility in summer fallows.

DOI: 10.22271/09746315.2023.v19.i1.1690

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