Mung bean is a warm-season legume enriched with nutrients like protein, minerals and vitamins. Asia produces about 90% of the world’s mungbean crop, with Thailand, China, India and Pakistan being the top producers
(Schreinemachers et al., 2019). Mungbean is grown in almost every state of India however; Rajasthan is the leading contributor to mungbean cultivation, accounting for 46% of the area and 45% of production. Other key contributors include Madhya Pradesh (9% area, 14% production), Maharashtra (9% area, 8% production), Karnataka (9% area, 6% production), Odisha (5% area, 4% production), Bihar (4% area, 5% production), Tamil Nadu (4% area, 3% production), Gujarat (3% area, 4% production) andhra Pradesh (3% for both area and production) and Telangana (2% for both area and production)
(Anonymous, 2022). Currently, the average yield of 482 kg/ha has been achieved as a result of the introduction of semi-determinate and early maturing varieties such as PS-16, Pusa-105, Pant and PDM selection, which is still much below the productivity level obtained in nations like the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, etc
(Mishra et al., 2022). Mungbean production and productivity are quite low in India despite the fact that many varieties have been produced and advised for cultivation
(Narasimhulu et al., 2013). As a result, there is a need for increment in yield. The absence of high yielding, disease-resistant mungbean cultivars that are suited to various climates, seasons, cropping systems and agronomic circumstances is the primary cause of low production
(Das and Barua, 2015;
Meena et al., 2021).
Using organic materials in crop production has been a long-standing practice in agriculture, where substances like farmyard manure, compost, neem cake, vermicompost and poultry manure are used to replace or supplement chemical fertilizers
(Singh et al., 2020). Organic manures offer a balanced source of macro and micro nutrients, which contribute to soil fertility and promote the mineralization process enhancing the availability of nutrients for plants
(Dhaliwal et al., 2021). The adoption of organic manures in traditional farming thus not only serves as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers but also helps maintain the long-term productivity and sustainable agriculture
(Meena et al., 2016; Soni et al., 2022).
In order to maintain soil fertility and plant nutrient delivery at an optimal level for maintaining the desired productivity, integrated nutrient management is the process of optimizing the benefits from all possible sources of organic, inorganic and biological components in an integrated way
(Gupta et al., 2022). Most legume crops, including mungbean, are grown in marginal, poor and less fertile soil in India; also, a lack of organic and inorganic resources further contributed to the crop’s low yield
(Kumar et al., 2018). Lack of proper understanding of the concept of integrated nutrient management, the overuse and inappropriate application of inorganic fertilizers further exacerbates the lower output and has a significant negative impact on the ecosystem of healthy soil
(Shukla et al., 2022).
Components of integrated nutrient management (INM)
It is a holistic approach that combines sources of nutrients (organic and inorganic) for improved growth and high output of the crop. These components have been discussed below:
Organic nutrient sources
Biofertilizers
In the study by
Bahadur and Tiwari (2014), the effects of biofertilization through Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) inoculation were thoroughly investigated. The results indicated that both biofertilizers significantly enhanced various growth parameters, including plant height, number of primary branches, effective pods per plant, grains per pod and the weight of 1,000 grains compared to the control group. Notably, the dual inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB demonstrated compatibility, leading to a synergistic effect that further improved plant growth. The compatibility between sulfur application and biofertilization highlighted an interesting interaction: sulfur provided direct nutritional benefits to the plants while also supporting the growth and activity of nitrogen-fixing organisms
(Chaudhary et al., 2023). This dual mechanism not only enhances the efficiency of nutrient uptake but also contributes to overall plant health and productivity.
Vermiwash
Vermiwash is a type of organic liquid fertilizer created with the help of earthworms. Vermiwash contains a wide range of nutrients and beneficial substances, including vitamins, decomposing bacteria, bioavailable minerals, enzymes, antimicrobial peptides and plant growth hormones. according to leifeld and fuhrer (2010), this special composition has various advantages for agriculture, including increasing soil fertility and encouraging plant development and productivity and also reducing greenhouse gas emissions from farming. Vermiwash is also effective in controlling plant diseases and managing pests
(Gudeta et al., 2021), adding to its utility as a natural pesticide and soil conditioner. Moreover, vermiwash is less expensive to produce and easier to make than chemical fertilizers and it can be used as a foliar spray for a variety of crops
(Jandaik et al., 2015).
Compost
Compost, as a crucial component of integrated nutrient management (INM), significantly improves the health of the soil and boosting the productivity of mung bean crops. Compost offers a consistent supply of vital nutrients including potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen when combined with other organic and inorganic fertilizers thereby supporting the overall growth and development of mung beans
(Islam et al., 2024). INM not only improves mung bean yield and quality but furthermore encourages environmentally friendly farming methods by lowering the use synthetic fertilizers and promoting soil conservation.
Vermicompost
Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer rich in nutrients that is created when earthworms break down organic waste. It strengthens the structure, aeration and water-holding capacity of the soil thereby increasing the ability of Mungbean to withstand circumstances of moisture stress brought on by climate change, hence it is an effective soil conditioner
(Ceritoglu et al., 2023). By offering a slow-release source of vital nutrients, vermicompost helps to lessen the reliance on artificial fertilizers and the corresponding greenhouse gas emissions
(Rajkhowa et al., 2017). It encourages the development of helpful soil microorganisms that can aid in the mobilization of nutrients and the stimulation of plant growth
(Toor et al., 2023). Fig 1 illustrating how soil and plant health is enhancing through vermicompost.
Fig 2 illustrated the use of vermicompost in legume cultivation, focusing on its unique advantages over traditional cereal-based applications. Experimental findings from
Todawat (2018) suggested that combining vermicompost at a rate of 7.5 tonnes per hectare with zinc at 6 kilograms per hectare can lead to enhanced growth and yield of
kharif Greengram (variety SML-668).
The use of vermicomposting in legume cultivation can enhance seed germination, increase plant height, improve chlorophyll content and boost overall crop yield.
Green manure
Crops cultivated with the intention of adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil are known as “green manures”. Sesbania and Crotalaria are the two leguminous green manure crops that fix atmospheric nitrogen, which helps to lessen greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the demand for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers
(Meena et al., 2018). Mungbean plants become more drought- and waterlogging-tolerant when green manures are added to the soil to enhance its structure, drainage and water retention capacity. They can also lessen the need for chemical inputs by suppressing diseases, pests and weeds
(Bista and Dahal, 2018).
Crop residues
Adding crop wastes such as wheat straw, stubbles
etc. can improve the soil’s organic matter content and nutrient availability
(Kaur et al., 2019). In order to cultivate Mungbean in water-stressed conditions brought on by climate change, crop residues function as a mulch, lowering soil evaporation and preserving soil moisture
(Ranaivoson et al., 2017). In addition to improving soil health, they help to sequester carbon in the soil
(Yang et al., 2021) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Inorganic nutrient sources
Nano-DAP
Nano DAP (di-ammonium phosphate), a type of nano fertilizer, offers a significant advancement in nutrient management for mung bean cultivation as part of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). Unlike conventional chemical fertilizers, Nano DAP releases nutrients gradually over a period of 40–50 days, providing a steady supply of essential nutrients to mung beans. By slowly releasing nutrients, Nano DAP minimizes the risk of environmental pollution that can result from the overuse of traditional chemical fertilizers, which tend to release nutrients too quickly
(Jakhar et al., 2022).
The study by
Hossain et al., (2018) demonstrates the positive impact of combining vermicompost with recommended inorganic fertilizers on soil health and mungbean yield. The synergy between these two types of fertilizers enhances various soil properties, creating favorable conditions for plant growth. Specifically, parameters such as bulk density, particle density, pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and remaining pore space were observed to be significantly low to medium. The soil analyzed was characterized as yellowish-brown, sandy loam, with a neutral to alkaline pH and non-saline nature. These attributes, coupled with improved water holding capacity (WHC), organic carbon (OC) and nutrient content (NPK), contributed to increased yield-related parameters in mungbean, including plant height, pod formation and grain weight. The application of inorganic fertilizers alone also demonstrated notable effects on mungbean growth, enhancing nutrient availability and supporting higher productivity
(Shukla and Tyagi, 2009). However, the combination with vermicompost not only improved nutrient uptake but also fostered better soil structure and microbial activity.
Effect of INM on yield attributes and yield of mungbean
Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) has a substantial effect on yield attributes and final yields in mungbean cultivation.
Sheoran et al., (2008) found that applying 12.5 kg N and 40 kg P
2O
5 ha
-1 under rainfed conditions increased mungbean seed yield by 4.3%.
Aslam et al., (2024) reported that adding 5 tonnes of vermicompost per hectare yielded 16-17% more seeds in mungbean compared to the control.
Incorporating organic fertilizers such as vermicompost and poultry manure into INM practices further enhances nutrient availability and uptake.
Rajkhowa et al., (2017) showed that applying vermicompost at 2.5 t/ha along with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) improved soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels, which in turn promoted higher seed yield in mungbean. Similarly,
Tarafder et al., (2020) observed that 3 tonnes per hectare of poultry manure, combined with 70% of soil test-based inorganic fertilizers, increased yield attributes in mungbean, including pods per plant and weight of 100 seeds. Additionally,
Gurjar et al., (2022) highlighted the positive impact of inoculating mungbean seeds with biofertilizers such as PSB and Rhizobium, resulting in higher nutrient uptake and seed yield. The application of micronutrients like molybdenum and cobalt are also essential for optimizing plant growth and yield, given their impact on physiological processes such as nitrogenase enzyme activity and stem elongation
(Chaudhary et al., 2018; Dhaliwal et al., 2021).
Effect of INM on soil health
Several studies by different researchers have concluded its beneficial effect on soil health which ultimately enhances the performance of crop. Some of the case studies have been highlighted below:
Chakraborty et al., (2024) conducted research to examined effect of integrated nutrient management on both soil health and the yield of Mungbean (
Vigna radiata L.) in the northeastern region of India.
Paramesh et al., (2023) evaluated multiple studies and concluded that integrated nutrient management can increase soil health in Mungbean. A study by
Tripathi et al., (2022) on “Integrated nutrient management approaches for growth, production and quality in mungbean revealed that techniques such as agricultural waste management, the use of organic manures and biofertilizers increased the yield and quality of Mungbean as a result of better soil health brought about by INM.
Vigneshvarraj et al., (2020) conducted a research titled “Integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and nutrient uptake in Mungbean” found that integrated nutrient management techniques raised the pH, organic matter content and nutrient availability of the soil, all of which benefited soil health which in turn led to higher yield.
Kumari et al., (2023) examined the effects of integrated nutrient management strategies on the economy and soil health of in Mungbean. The team analyzed diverse integrated nutrient management techniques and discovered that methods like applying biofertilizers and organic manures enhanced soil health and decreased production costs. According to
Sinha et al., (2023) analysis on “Integrated nutrient management for sustainable soil health and crop productivity in Mungbean, concluded that by utilizing integrated nutrient management techniques, such as crop residue management, biofertilizers and organic manures, improves the overall yield and quality of mung bean. According to a study on “Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management in Mungbean for enhancing soil health discovered that Mungbean productivity and soil health were enhanced by integrated nutrient management techniques, particularly when the techniques were adapted to the local soil and climate by
(Sarkar et al., 2023).