Effect of mycorrhizal inoculation, different amounts of zeolite and phosphorus chemical fertilizer on mung bean yield (Vigna radiate L.)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Abdolkarim Qasim Saleh ¹
• Mohammad Mirzaei Heydari ²

¹ International Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

² Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

Keywords

• Phosphorous fertilizer
• Zeolite
• Mung bean
• Mycorrhizal symbiosis

Main Subjects

• ..

Investigating the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation, different amounts of zeolite, and phosphorus chemical fertilizer on mung bean yield (Vigna radiate L.)

EXTENDED ABSTRACT

Introduction

Mung bean is an important legume that is consumed all over the world, especially in Asian countries. It is known as an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Chemical fertilizers are considered one of the factors influencing the performance of crops. However, their excessive use, especially when combined with inappropriate management operations, greatly reduces the amount of organic matter in the soil. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi create symbiotic relationships with legumes through mechanisms that increase water absorption, nutrient absorption, reduce the negative effects of environmental stress, increase resistance to pathogens, and improve phosphorus and other nutrient absorption. Zeolites are classified as crystalline aluminosilicates and play an important role in soil amendment by increasing soil aeration, nutrient availability, and plant production.

Materials and Methods

The present study investigated the effect of the combination of zeolite, arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus, and phosphorus fertilizer on mung bean production in the climatic conditions of Isfahan City during the years 2022-2023. The experiment was conducted using a split-split plot design as a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main factor included zeolite at three levels (zero, 3, and 6 ton/h), while the secondary factors included mycorrhizal inoculation (inoculated and non-inoculated) and phosphorus fertilizer at three levels (zero, 75, and 150 kg/h). The first irrigation was applied immediately after planting, followed by subsequent irrigations every 10 days using the drip method. Initial greening of the plants occurred 6 days after planting, with more than 80% of the plants in each plot being green by day 15. Thinning of the plants was conducted in one stage after full establishment at the six-leaf stage. Weed control was carried out continuously from planting to harvesting through manual weeding. No specific diseases were observed during the growth stages, and no chemical poisons or pesticides were used throughout the experiment.

Results and Discussion

The results showed that the main effects of mycorrhiza and phosphorus fertilizer on all measured traits were significant. The interaction effect of zeolite and phosphorus fertilizer indicated that the highest seed yield was observed in the treatment of six ton/h of zeolite without using or with 75 kg/h of phosphorus fertilizer, resulting in yields of 2920.6 and 2895.67 kg/h, respectively, while the lowest yield was observed in the absence of zeolite. The consumption of zeolite and phosphorus fertilizer was recorded at the rate of 2063.36 kg/h. Furthermore, the highest biological yield was observed in the treatment involving six ton/h of zeolite along with 75 kg/h of phosphorus fertilizer and mycorrhizal inoculation, resulting in a yield of 8127 kg/h, whereas the lowest yield was observed when no zeolite, mycorrhiza, or phosphorus fertilizer was used, resulting in a total yield of 3893 kg/h. Regarding the interaction between mycorrhizal inoculation and phosphorus fertilizer application, the highest amount of chlorophyll b was observed in the treatment involving mycorrhizal inoculation and the application of 150 or 75 kg/ha of phosphorus fertilizer, resulting in chlorophyll b levels of 5.78 and 5.79 mg fresh weight, respectively, while the lowest level was observed in the absence of mycorrhizal consumption and the non-application of phosphorus fertilizer, resulting in a level of 4.96 mg fresh weight.

Conclusion

The rise in grain yield attributed to zeolite treatment, in comparison to the control, stems from enhanced dry matter accumulation and improved transportation of photosynthetic materials to the economically significant organs. Generally, the integration or application of zeolite, mycorrhizal fungi, and phosphorus fertilizers in mung bean cultivation has resulted in enhanced growth, productivity, and quality of the produce.