Integrated Use of NPK Fertilizers and Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE) for the Growth and Yield of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

An Experiment to study the “impact of integrated use of NPK fertilizers and moringa leaf extract (MLE) for the growth and yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata L. cv. AEM-96)” was carried out during two consecutive 'Kharif' seasons in four replicated randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a single factor arrangement and six treatments. It aims to compare integrated NPK + MLE treatments and determine the optimal number of foliar MLE applications for maximizing mungbean productivity. The Experiment comprised six treatments including: T1 = Control (without MLE and NPK fertilizer), T2 = Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) NPK @ 25: 50: 25 (kg ha-1), T3 = NPK + 1 (one) foliar spray of Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE) 10 DAS, T4 = NPK + 2 (two) foliar spray of Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE) 10 DAS and 20 DAS, T5 = NPK + 3 (three) foliar spray of Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE) 10 DAS, 20 DAS and 30 DAS and T6 = NPK + 4 (four) foliar spray of Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE) 10 DAS, 20 DAS, 30 DAS and 40 DAS, alongside a control (without MLE) and recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) NPK @ 25: 50: 25 (kg ha-1) was applied in all plots to evaluate their effects on crop performance. Throughout the Experiment, the study aimed to evaluate the measurements included soil Physio-chemical properties, Agronomic traits, Physiological attributes, Meteorological observations, Grain nutrient status, and Economic returns. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistix-8.1 software with the HSD test to compare treatment effects, while the Regression and Pearson correlation analysis tested relationships among variables. The results evaluated that combined effect of NPK fertilizers and moringa leaf extract (MLE) significantly enhanced mungbean performance (P ≤ 0.05) across both years. The statistical analysis (ANOVA) revealed that combining NPK + 4 (four) foliar spray of (MLE) treatment T6, gave the highest seed yield SY 1935 (kg ha⁻¹), plant height PH (83.33 cm), days to first seed germination DFSG (5.25 days). In contrast, the results of regression and correlation analyses, the results revealed that regression analysis showed a strong model fit (R² = 0.8413; F = 19.099; p < 0.0001). Moreover, Pearson’s correlation analysis (r > 0.99) showed extremely strong positive relationships between seed yield SY (kg ha-1) and key traits: (PH cm), (HI %), (LAI1 m-2 21 DAS), (LAI2 m-2 52 DAS), (PC %) with the highest economic return benefit-cost-ratio (BCR = 3.94). Overall, MLE, especially at 100% concentration and 200 L ha⁻¹, proved an eco-friendly bio-stimulant that boosts yield and reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers when applied at key growth stages. Overall, the study recommends foliar application of MLE (NPK + 4 (four) foliar spray of (MLE)) @ (200 L ha⁻¹) at critical crop growth stages (germination, flowering and pod development), ideally combined with NPK, as an eco-friendly, high-efficiency bio-stimulant for mungbean cultivation.