SEED PRODUCTION IN VEGETABLE COWPEA [VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP.] UNDER INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

A study was taken up to evaluate the effect of different organic and inorganic nutrient sources, their combinations and schedules on seed production and quality of vegetable cowpea (Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp.). Plant height and dry matter production were highest in the treatment where poultry manure supplying N equivalent to 10 tonnes cow dung per hectare was applied in 2 splits (as basal and 1 month after sowing), along with inorganic fertilizers at 20:30:10 kg N, P and K per hectare. This treatment was at par with the similar treatment where poultry manure was applied entirely as basal. Seed yield and 100 seed weight were also highest in this treatment. Combination of organic and inorganic nutrient sources gave significantly better results than when either was used alone with regard to the growth of plants. Significant positive response to top dressing of poultry manure was observed even at half the recommended dose, although it is usually recommended to apply organic manures at the time of planting.