Nutrient management strategies for enhancing legumes productivity in the grid region of Gwalior, M.P.

Efficient nutrient management is a critical determinant in enhancing the productivity and sustainability of legume cultivation, particularly in the semi-arid agro-climatic conditions of the Grid region of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. This region, characterized by heterogeneous soil fertility, erratic rainfall, and imbalanced nutrient application, demands region-specific, integrated nutrient strategies to unlock the full yield potential of pulses such as chickpea, pigeon pea, and lentil. The present study focuses on developing and evaluating nutrient management strategies tailored to the edaphic and climatic conditions of the Grid zone. The research integrates site-specific nutrient management (SSNM), balanced fertilization with macro and micronutrients, and the inclusion of biofertilizers (Rhizobium, PSB, and PGPR) to enhance soil health, nutrient uptake, and biological nitrogen fixation. Long-term field trials and soil fertility mapping indicate that the application of integrated nutrient management (INM) involving 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) along with organic amendments (FYM, compost) and microbial inoculants significantly improves soil organic carbon, nutrient use efficiency (NUE), and yield attributes of legumes. Furthermore, precision nutrient application based on soil test crop response (STCR) has proven to be an effective strategy in reducing input costs while maintaining environmental sustainability. The synergistic effects of combined nutrient inputs enhance nodulation, root proliferation, and ultimately biomass and grain yield. This study provides a scientific basis for recommending location-specific, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable nutrient management packages for legume growers in the region. The outcomes not only contribute to bridging the yield gap but also support national goals for pulse self-sufficiency and soil health rejuvenation. Adoption of these strategies is expected to transform legume-based cropping systems in the Gwalior Grid region by improving resource-use efficiency and resilience to climatic stressors.