Impact of P, K and Zinc on pod and Root Attributes, Yield and Economics of cowpea (VignasinensisSavi) cv. cowpea 263

Abstract

A field experiment comparising of four levels each of phosphorus (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha) and potassium (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha) and three levels of zinc (0, 10 and 20 kg/ha) constituting thereby 48 treatment combination which were tested on ‘cowpea- 263’ in single split plot design putting levels of P2O5 and potassium in main plots and levels of zinc in sub-plots for two consecutive rainy seasons of 1997 and 1998 at R.B.S. College, Bichpuri, Agra. The results obtained indicated that the application of 90kg, P2O5, 45 kg K2O and 20 kg Zn through SSP, K2SO4 and Zncl2, respectively was found most suitable doses so for as fresh and dry weight of plant at flowering, duration of pod picking, root-studies, pod-attributes, yield of marketable pods (q/ha), chemical constants in pod and net-profit (Rs/ha) were concerned in both the years of experimentation. Cowpea (VignasinensisSavi) is a Kharif legume vegetable crop and is grown throughout the country for green pod, dry seed, fodder and green manure. The cowpea is a quick growing leguminous forage crop usually grown mixed with cereal fodders and grasses to improve the nutritive value of the herbage. It is an excellent cover crop, which suppresses weeds and enriches the soil. Cowpea can be grown under partial shade conditions too.It can be grown in Kharif as well as in zaid reason. Cowpea fodder is very rich and nutritious fodder. It contains 20-24% crude proteins, 43-49% neutral detergent fibre, 34-37% and acid detergent fibre, 23-25% cellulose and 5-6% hemicelluloses on dry matter basis. The digestibility of cowpea fodder is above 70%. The traditional cowpea populations grown in cyprus are used as multipurpose crop, namely for the production of green pods, green immature seeds and dry mature seeds. In West and East Africa, the tender green leaves are cooked like spinach or as a relish (Rachie, 1985). Vegetables play a vital role by providing and minerals in the diet, besides supplying protein and energy. The nutrients in the vegetable overcome the common disorders like anaemia deficiency disorders and others ailments in human beings.According to Lal and Singh (1993) cowpea 263 is suitable for both spring and rainy seasons. Its plants are dwards, pods medium green thick meaty tenders and about 20 cm long. It is an early maturity variety. It is free golden mosaics and comparatively resistant to other mosaics. Average green pod yield is 8.4-9.0 tonnes per hectare. It is superior over the existing. ‘PusaDofasli’; ‘PusaBarsati’, and PusaKomal varieties in all respects.