Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, biomass production, nitrogen uptake and soil status of Sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea) and dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata)

A field experiment was conducted at the College Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during rabi season of 2016-17 and 2017-18. There were four treatments comprising of Sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea) and dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata). The soil of the experimental field was clayey in texture. The results revealed that green manuring of Sunnhemp either with PSM (soil application @ 2.5 l ha-1) or with bio compost @ 10 t ha-1 were found at par and improved the growth attributes viz. plant height, number of nodules plant-1and dry matter accumulation plant-1. Treatment dhaincha + biocompost @ 10 t ha-1 registered significantly higher green matter (gm-2) and green biomass production (23.77t ha-1). However, green manuring of dhaincha either with biocompost @ 10 t ha-1 or with PSM (soil application @ 2.5 l ha-1) were found better and remarkably improved dry matter (gm-2), dry biomass production (4.29 t ha-1), nitrogen uptake (kg ha-1), organic carbon (%) and available nitrogen (kg ha-1) in soil after harvest of crops.