Comparative Study on the Effects of Urea and Organic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata)

Abstract

Organic fertilizers are recognized for their role in enhancing soil health and promoting
sustainable crop production. This study investigated the impact of different fertilizers—
compost, vermicompost, cow dung, liquid biofertilizer, and DAP granules—on soil pH, plant
growth, and yield of Vigna radiata (mung bean) during the summer season in Delhi. Each
treatment involved a 1:1 ratio of soil to fertilizer, and the mixtures were analyzed beforehand
for inorganic nutrients such as chloride, sulphate, and nitrate, as well as pH levels. Plant growth
was assessed through several parameters, including germination percentage, shoot and root
length, fresh and dry biomass, chlorophyll concentration in leaves, and the pH of leaf extracts.
Yield was evaluated based on the number of flowers and pods produced per plant. Among all
treatments, vermicompost resulted in the highest germination rate, longest shoot and root
lengths, greatest biomass accumulation (both fresh and dry), and the maximum number of pods.
Conversely, liquid biofertilizer showed the lowest germination, control plants had the shortest
shoots, and cow dung treatment resulted in the shortest roots. Compost and biofertilizer
treatments produced the lowest fresh and dry weights, respectively. In conclusion, the results
indicate that vermicompost is highly effective in improving soil conditions, supporting vigorous
plant growth, and significantly boosting the yield of mung bean crops.