Soil Amendment on Growth, Nodulation, Yield, Soil Health, and Economics of Cowpea

Abstract

Organic fertilizer might be able to be used without sacrificing cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] productivity and contribute to maintaining soil health. A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season months of July to October of 2008 and 2009 to study effects of use of the organic amendments groundnut cake, Pongamia cake, neem cake, mustard cake, cow manure, vermicompost, and poultry manure used alone, and in combinations, on growth, nodulation, yield, soil health, and profitability of cowpea, cv. Utkal Manika, in a sandy loam soil. Use of organic amendments and beneficial bacteria could improve growth, nodulation, yield, and profitability of cowpea and improve soil health. Organic amendments were at least as good as the control (recommended rate of N–P–K fertilizer).

Keywords:

• Vigna unguiculata
• Oilcakes
• Organic
• Profitability
• Nutrient management
• Rhizobium
• Sustainability