Growth, yield and quality of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) as influenced by nitrogen, phosphorus and bio-fertilizers

A field experiment was conducted at Sardarkrushinagar (Gujarat) during 2006–07 and 2007–08 to study response of nitrogen, phosphorus and bio-fertilizers on fenugreek with 16 treatment combinations in factorial RBD with three replications. The soil of the experimental field was low in organic carbon, available nitrogen, medium in phosphorus and good in respect to available potassium. Application of 20 kg N and 40 kg P2O5/ha gave significantly higher plant height at all the growth stages, and seed, straw and biological yields as well as protein content in seed and straw over 10 kg N and 20 kg P2O5/ha, respectively. Combined inoculation of seed with Rhizobium and PSB and their sole application significantly gave higher plant height over control at all the growth stages but significantly the highest seed, straw and biological yield as well as protein content in seed and straw was recorded with combined inoculation of seed with Rhizobium and PSB, which was higher over their individual application and control. Sole application of both Rhizobium and PSB was found at par in respect to seed, straw and biological yield. Harvest index was not significantly influenced with N, P and bio-fertilizer levels.