Effect of different nitrogen sources and phosphate solubilizing bacteria on growth and yield of grain cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

A field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Allahabad Agricultural Institute, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh during rainy (kharif) season of 2008 to study the effect of different nitrogen sources and PSB on growth and yield of grain cowpea [Vigna ungiculata (L.) Walp.] Inoculation of Rhizobium+PSB along with 20 kg N/ha through vermicompost significantly increased the growth i. e. plant height, number of root nodules/plant, plant dry weight, crop growth rate and yield attributing characters i. e. pods/plant, grains/pod, seed index and consequently grain and haulm yield. Dual inoculation of Rhizobium+PSB along with 20 kg N/ha through vermicompost significantly increased the harvest index, net returns and had higher B : C ratio also.