Study on Zinc Fertilization on Growth Dynamics and Yield Attributes of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Background: Green gram is an essential legume crop extensively cultivated across India. Its high protein content and ability to enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation make it a valuable crop. Particularly, a deficiency of the micronutrient zinc can disrupt various physiological and biochemical processes, ultimately limiting yields. Foliar application of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4), along with the recommended fertilizer dose (RDF), has been shown to boost crop performance during critical growth stages. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of soil and foliar-applied zinc sulphate on the growth and yield attributes of green gram. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2024 at the Crop Research Farm of Kalia-awash, SGT University, Gurugram (Haryana). The experiment consisted of seven treatments and three replications, in a randomized block design (RBD). The soil was sandy loam, slightly alkaline and deficient in available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and micronutrients. Treatments included RDF alone and combinations of soil and foliar applications of ZnSO4. Treatment T7 involved RDF + 0.5% ZnSO4 foliar application at branching and flowering stages. Result: Among the treatments, T7 showed highest value for different growth and yield parameters, like plant height (38.73 cm), number of branches per plant (14.73), number of trifoliate leaves (27.07), number of pods per plant (15.67), number of grains per pod (10.07), test weight (34.18 g), seed yield (13.60 q ha-1) and biological yield (38.19 q ha-1) were recorded.