Response of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) to organic nutrient sources and their effect on soil properties and yield attributes in Western Himalayan region of India

As the second most significant food after cereals, pulses are high in protein and serve a vital role in Indian agriculture. By improving the nitrogen levels, they encourage long term fertility and maintain system sustainability. The present study evaluated the impact of varied organic nutrient sources on black gram growth, yield attributes, soil health and economic returns. The application of biofertilizers (Rhizobium + PSB) in combination with vermicompost and vermiwash resulted in a 12.3 % reduction in days to flowering compared to absolute control, while physiological maturity remained unaffected. Plant height increased by 20.4 % under the same treatment. Yield attributes such as pods per plant (21.2), seeds per pod (7.1) and primary branches per plant (6.5) improved significantly, with increases of 24.7 %, 26.2 % and 24.6 %, respectively. Seed yield increased by 43.5 % in comparison to treatment without application of any organic fertilizer. Significantly highest seed yield of 1193 kg ha-1 was recorded due to the combined application of biofertilizers (Rhizobium and PSB), vermicompost @ 7.5 t ha-1 and vermiwash (1:10). Post-harvest soil nutrient availability showed significant improvement, with increases in available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium owing to substantial increase in microbial population by 36.9 % bacterial count, 39.3 % fungal count and 34.7 % actinomycete count compared to absolute control. This corresponds to an increase in enzymatic activity (4.8 µg TPF g-1 soil h-1) as well as soil microbial biomass carbon (132.8 4.8 µg g-1 soil). The findings highlight the potential of integrated organic nutrient management for enhancing crop productivity, soil fertility and economic sustainability but also for fostering resilient agricultural systems. The combined application of different organic nutrient sources offers a viable and environmentally sound solution to maintaining log-term ecological balance while also contributing to food security.