Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels on growth, yield and economics of rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris)*

Dharwad on black clay soil to study the “Response of rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium during rabi in the Northern Transition Zone ” with three levels of nitrogen (40, 80 and 120 N kg ha-1) , three levels of phosphorus (25, 50 and 75 P2O5 kg ha-1), two levels of potassium (30 and 60 K2O kg ha-1) with an absolute control (0:0:0 N:P:K kg ha-1). Significantly higher grain yield was recorded with 120:75:60 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 fertilization (1375 kg ha-1) which was on par with 80:75:60 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1(1352 kg ha-1) and 80:75:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 (1337 kg ha-1). Significantly higher plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf area index, total dry matter production, number of pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100- seed weight and seed yield per plant was recorded with 80:75:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1. Significantly higher net returns ( ` 21113 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.72) was also obtained with application of 80:75:30 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1.