Growth, crop productivity, nutrient uptake, and soil fertility as influenced by different organic manures in green gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)

Enhancing crop productivity while maintaining soil health remains a significant challenge in tropical agroecosystems, particularly in pulse-based systems such as green gram ( Vigna radiata L. Wilczek). Excessive use of chemical fertilizers has led to long-term declines in soil fertility, highlighting the need for sustainable nutrient management approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various organic composts and cow-based formulations on soil health, root growth, nutrient uptake, and productivity of green gram. A two-year field experiment was conducted using a split-plot design with three replications. Main plot treatments included five organic manures: cow farmyard manure (FYM 5.0 t ha -1 ), cow dung compost (CDC 5.0 t ha -1 ), buffalo dung compost (BDC 5.0 t ha -1 ), goat dung compost (GDC 5.0 t ha -1 ), and goat dung compost (GDC 2.5 t ha -1 ). Sub-plot treatments comprised cow urine spray (CU5%), biodynamic manure BD-500 (75 g ha -1 soil spray), and BD-501 (2.5 g ha -1 plant spray). Application of GDC at 5 t ha -1 significantly increased seed and stover yields by 17.4% and 23.1%, respectively, over FYM, and improved soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, and phosphorus, comparable to CDC. Higher GDC rates (5 t ha -1 ) outperformed the lower dose (2.5 t ha -1 ), with consistent benefits across both years. Cow-based bioformulations provided additional improvements but were secondary to the effects of compost. Higher rates (5.0 t ha -1 ) of goat or cow compost substantially enhance green gram productivity and key soil fertility indicators. • Goat dung compost 5 t ha -1 (GDC5) improved greengram height to 53.9 cm and pod number to 24.1, boosting yield. • Root nodules peaked with GDC5 at 32 plant -1 and dry weight 0.256 g, 25% above goat dung compost 2.5 t ha -1 (GDC2.5). • Seed yield rose 17–23% and stover yield 14–20% under GDC5 compared to FYM5 control. • Soil fertility improved with GDC5, recording SOC 0.251% and N 174 kg ha -1 post-harvest. • Fresh cow urine 5% (CU5%) spray enhanced nutrient uptake, raising seed N to 28.5 kg ha -1 and P to 4.05 kg ha -1 .