Effect of Integrated Plant Nutrient Management based on Soil Test Crop Response on Primary Plant Nutrients Uptake and Quality Parameters of Blackgram on Alfisols in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu, India

Background:Enhancing food security and nutrition for the expanding population is a significant concern. In this context, the application of inorganic fertilisers and organic manures and plays a pivotal role by supplying vital nutrients to plants. This practice elevates the nutrient content and overall nutritional quality of crops, thereby contributing substantially for meeting the nutritional requirements of a growing populace. Conversely, the repercussions of imbalanced nutrition are detrimental, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and soil fertility degradation. These factors, in turn, contribute to increased cultivation costs. Addressing this multifaceted issue necessitates a precise quantification of inorganic fertiliser integration with organic manures as an effective means of resolving these challenges. Methods: The current research was conducted on a farmer's holding, using blackgram (variety: VBN 11) in Thondamuthur block of Coimbatore district, Western Zone of Tamil Nadu to study the effect of different N, P2O5, K2O and IPNS dosages in nutrient acquisition and quality parameters. The treatments included absolute control, blanket, blanket + FYM, Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based fertiliser dose for an yield target of 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 t ha-1, STCR-IPNS based fertiliser dose for an yield target of 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 t ha-1 and farmer’s practice. Result: The highest nutrient uptake and quality parameters were recorded when employing STCR-IPNS at a targeted yield of 1.4 t ha⁻1. This finding strongly underscores the value of incorporating these practices into our agricultural approach. Doing so not only paves the way for sustainable, nutrient-rich food production but also effectively addresses the issue of imbalanced nutrition. Moreover, it plays a vital role in enhancing soil health. In sum, this comprehensive approach is pivotal in fortifying food security and elevating nutritional standards.