INTEGRATED USE OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZERS TO OPTIMIZE GROWTH, NODULATION, AND YIELD OF GUAR

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season to assess the integrated effect of organic and inorganic phosphorus fertilizers on the growth, nodulation, yield, and phosphorus uptake of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.). The treatments included farmyard manure (FYM), single super phosphate (SSP), a combination of FYM + SSP (50% each), and rock phosphate (RP), along with a control. Results indicated that FYM + SSP significantly improved plant height, number of branches, nodulation, pod development, seed yield, and phosphorus uptake compared to other treatments. The highest seed yield (1520 kg/ha) and phosphorus uptake (9.2 mg/plant) were recorded with the combined FYM + SSP treatment, followed by SSP (1385 kg/ha) and FYM (1290 kg/ha). Phosphorus fertilization also enhanced soil nutrient status, with FYM + SSP showing the greatest increase in post-harvest phosphorus levels and soil organic matter (0.78%). The control exhibited nutrient depletion, highlighting the importance of phosphorus application for improving guar productivity. These findings suggest that an integrated approach of organic and inorganic phosphorus sources is highly effective in optimizing guar growth and yield, and it also benefits soil health through improved nutrient cycling.