Effect of tillage practices and phosphorus doses on the performance of mungbean (Vigna radiata) in semi-arid Kandahar region of Afghanistan

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in Kandahar, Afghanistan during summer (June-August) season of 2017 to assess the impact of different tillage practices and phosphorus doses on yield and economics of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.)]. Experiment consisted 12 treatment combinations of 3-tillage practices in main plots, viz., raised bed, zero tillage and conventional tillage and 4-phosphorus doses in sub-plots, viz. 0 (control), 40, 60 and 80 kg P2O5/ha. Research findings of the study showed that yield attributes, seed and stover yields, harvest index and economics of mungbean were not significantly influenced by different tillage practices. Application of P resulted significantly higher growth and yield parameters compared to absolute control. Application of 80 kg P2O5/ha gave the highest seed yield (0.98 t/ha) and 60 kg P2O5/ha gave the highest stover yield (3.92 t/ha). In terms of economics, the highest net returns (58,238 AFN/ha) was recorded with 80 kg P2O5/ha, and the B: C ratio was the highest (2.24) with 40 kg P2O5/ha.