Synergistic effects of planting geometry and integrated nutrient management on pigeon pea growth, yield and soil health

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2023 at the research farm of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, to evaluate the effect of different spacing (P) and nutrient sources (N) on pigeon pea growth and yield. The experiment consisting four different spacings viz. P1- (conventional sowing at 50 cm × 25 cm), P2- (30 cm × 25 cm), P3- raised bed (67.5 cm), P4- (60 cm × 20 cm) with four nutrient sources viz. N1- (control), N2- (100 % RDF-recommended dose of fertilizer), N3- (100 % organic), N4- (50 % N RDF + 50 % N Farmyard manure, FYM) was laid in split-plot design and replicated thrice. The results revealed that pigeon pea performed better when sown on raised bed in terms of plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, dry matter accumulation, chlorophyll index, number of pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, pod length, seed index, seed yield, stalk yield and harvest index while narrow spacing of 30 cm × 25 cm recorded maximum leaf area index (LAI). Similarly, the application of balanced nutrition showed maximum plant height, a greater number of primary and secondary branches, higher LAI, dry matter and chlorophyll index. Maximum number of pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, pod length, seed index, seed yield and stalk yield along with a maximum harvest index. Whereas the lowest values for growth and yield parameters were exhibited by narrower spacing P2 and N1 with respect to main and sub plot.