Response of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to integrated nutrient management practices in Sethu Bhaskara Agricultural College and Research Foundation, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu

India produces comparatively little pulses, especially cowpeas, which is not enough to meet the nation's needs. The productivity of cowpeas has been falling annually. Due to its importance, cowpea yield needs to be increased. Inorganic fertilizers by themselves do not increase long-term productivity or encourage crop growth and production. When organic manures and inorganic fertilizer are applied together, the soil's structure, texture, physical characteristics, fertility, and crop yield are all improved. So The Treatments comprised of T1 - 100% RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertilizers) + Vermicompost @ 2 t ha-1 + 2% DAP, T2 - 75% RDF +Vermicompost @ 2 t ha-1 + 2% DAP, T3 - 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2 t ha-1 + 2% DAP, T4- 100% RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + 2% DAP, T5 - 75% RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + 2% DAP, T6 -50% RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + 2% DAP, T7 – 100% RDF+ Panchakavya @ 5% + 2% DAP, T8 - 75% RDF + Panchakavya @ 5% + 2% DAP, T9 - 50% RDF + Panchakavya @ 5% + 2% DAP. Farmyard manure, vermicompost, RDF are applied basally in the treatment plots. Panchagavya was sprayed on 50% flowering period and 2% DAP was sprayed after flowering period.The result revealed that among the different Treatments imposed, application of 100% RDF + vermicompost @ 2 t ha-1 + 2% DAP recorded the highest Growth and yield attributes. The lowest values were obtained under 50% RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + 2% DAP. Thus it can be concluded that the application of 100% RDF, Vermicompost @ 2 t ha-1 + 2% DAP (T1) was observed to be agronomically sound and economically viable practice for higher production and profitability of Cowpea.