Establishment technique, seed rate and fertilizer application to summer blackgram (Phaseolus mungo) in rice (Oryza sativa) fallows

A field experiment was conducted during summer 1993 and 1994 to assess the suitable establishment technique, seed rate and fertilizer requirement of blackgram (Phaseolus mungo L.) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) fallows. Broadcasting dry seed immediately after withdrawal of water (1 week before rice harvest) was found conducive for rapid penetration of hypocotyl into the soil which reflected on better stand establishment, deep root growth, yield attributes, seed and haulm yields. Lower seed rate (45 kg/ha) recorded more fruiting branches, pods/plant and seeds/pod and enhanced seed yield by 11.5% more than higher seed rate (70 kg/ha). Addition of nitrogen and phosphorus irrespective of time of application had a marked influence on tap root growth and augmented the seed yield by 46.4% over no fertilization. Application of N and P just before rice harvest recorded 7.8% higher seed yield than when it was applied at rice flowering.