Effect of Fertility Levels, Biofertilizers and Stress Mitigating Chemicals on Nutrient status of plant and soil and Economics of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

A two-year field study was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, to evaluate the effect of fertility levels, biofertilizers and stress mitigating chemicals on nutrient status of plant and soil and economics of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications, comprising 36 treatment combinations. Main plots received four fertility levels: control, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). Sub-plots were assigned nine combinations of biofertilizers (Rhizobium, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and stress-mitigating foliar sprays of thiourea (500 ppm) or salicylic acid (200 ppm). Pooled analysis revealed that 100% RDF resulted in the highest grain protein content (25.29%), protein yield (228.67 kg ha⁻1), and maximum nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) concentration and uptake. Economically, 100% RDF generated the greatest gross returns (₹77,778 ha⁻1) and net returns (₹49,352 ha⁻1), which were statistically at par with the 75% RDF treatment. However, the highest benefit-cost (B:C) ratio of 1.81 was recorded under 75% RDF, statistically comparable to the 100% RDF level. Among sub-plot treatments, the integrated application of Rhizobium + PSB + salicylic acid (200 ppm) proved most effective, yielding the highest seed protein content (24.98%), protein yield (224.76 kg ha⁻1), NPK uptake, and economic returns, including a peak B:C ratio of 1.93. These outcomes were statistically equivalent to those obtained with Rhizobium + PSB + thiourea (500 ppm). The study demonstrates that while 100% RDF maximizes productivity, 75% RDF offers better economic efficiency, and supplementing Rhizobium and PSB with either salicylic acid or thiourea synergistically enhances crop performance and profitability in mungbean.