Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2020 and 2021 at the Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (OUAT), Mahisapat, to evaluate the effects of phosphorus, sulphur and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on the growth, yield and nutrient uptake of black gram (Vigna mungo L.). The experimental soil, classified as Alfisol, was low in nitrogen (221 kg/ha), medium in phosphorus (11.6 kg/ha), high in potassium (185 kg/ha) and acidic (pH 5.6). The study followed a randomized block design with eight treatments comprising combinations of phosphorus (20 and 40 kg P₂O₅/ha), sulphur (20 kg S/ha) and PSB (4.0 kg/ha), replicated thrice. The variety PU-31 was used. Among all treatments, T₆ (40 kg P₂O₅/ha + 20 kg S/ha + 4.0 kg PSB/ha) significantly outperformed others, recording the highest plant height (38.03 cm), branches per plant (6.34), pods per plant (20.2), pod length (4.1 cm), seeds per pod (6.27), test weight (36.0 g), seed yield (8.50 q/ha) and haulm yield (18.56 q/ha). This treatment also achieved the highest nutrient uptake: N (48.2 kg/ha), P (7.8 kg/ha) and K (36.7 kg/ha). In contrast, the control (T₁) had the lowest performance. The findings indicate that integrated nutrient management involving phosphorus, sulphur and PSB significantly improves black gram productivity and nutrient use efficiency under acidic soil conditions, offering a sustainable strategy for the Mid-Central Table Land Zone of Odisha.