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Farming & Management

Impact of sulphur and zinc fertilisation on yield, quality, nutrient uptake and economics of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) cultivation 


DOI: 10.31830/2456-8724.2025.FM-179    | Article Id: FM-179 | Page : 115-123
Citation :- Impact of sulphur and zinc fertilisation on yield, quality, nutrient uptake and economics of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) cultivation. Farm. Manage. 10: 115-123
K. R. HEMASREE, SAGAR MAITRA, SUMIT RAY, MASINA SAIRAM, SRI LIKHITHA GUDLA AND SOMAHANTHI AMITH sumit.ray@cutm.ac.in
Address : Department of Agronomy and Agroforestry, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi-761 211, Odisha, India
Submitted Date : 21-11-2025
Accepted Date : 4-12-2025
Online Published:

Abstract

Rice-based cropping systems in central and eastern India often rely on intensive inputs, leading to soil degradation, nutrient imbalance and reduced system sustainability. Integrating pulses, such as cowpea, after rice is a viable strategy for sustainable intensification to enhance soil fertility and improve resource-use efficiency. However, cowpea yields in marginal and rainfed areas remain low due to inadequate nutrient management, particularly sulphur (S) and zinc (Zn). To address this gap, a field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2024 at the Post Graduate Research Farm, Gajapati district, Odisha, to assess the effects of edaphic application of sulphur and foliar application of zinc EDTA on the growth, productivity and nutrient uptake of cowpea. The experiment was laid out in a factorial Randomised Block Design with four sulphur levels (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg S/ha) and three foliar zinc levels (0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3%), replicated thrice. Results revealed that both sulphur and zinc significantly influenced growth attributes, physiological parameters, yield components and yield. The application of 30 kg S/ha consistently resulted in the highest plant height, dry matter accumulation, nodule formation, yield attributes, and grain and stover yields. Similarly, foliar zinc EDTA @0.3% at 30 and 50 DAS enhanced physiological efficiency and improved yield and nutrient accumulation. Nutrient content and uptake of S and Zn were highest under a nutrient dose of 30 kg S/ha and 0.3% Zn EDTA than other treatments. Economic analysis confirmed superior net returns and benefit: cost ratio with higher S and Zn application. Overall, the study demonstrates that optimal application of sulphur combined with foliar zinc EDTA substantially enhances cowpea performance and offers a sustainable nutrient management approach under South Odisha conditions.

Keywords

Foliar fertiliser growth net returns nutrient content sulphur yield zinc 

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