Yield and nutritional quality of castilla bean (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) under the application of liquid organic fertilizers

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of liquid organic fertilizers on Vigna unguiculata under field conditions. Design/methodology/approach: A randomized block design was used with the following treatments: bovine biol (5% and 10%), worm leachate (25% and 50%), and compost tea (20% and 40%), alongside a chemical foliar fertilizer control and a water control. Performance variables assessed included plant height (cm), days to flowering (days), grain yield (g/plant; kg/ha), weight of 100 seeds (g), plant dry matter (kg/ha), NPK content in grains and stems-leaves (%), and crude protein percentage of harvested beans. Most variables were measured at harvest.

Results: The results indicate that bovine biol (5% and 10%) and worm leachate (25% and 50%) were the most effective treatments for grain yield, achieving 640.30 kg/ha, 582.39 kg/ha, 1,519.68 kg/ha, and 509.73 kg/ha, respectively. These yields surpassed those of the chemical treatment (373.77 kg/ha) and the water control (352.49 kg/ha). Additionally, the 25% and 50% worm leachate treatments promoted greater NPK absorption compared to other treatments, resulting in higher crude protein content in the harvested biomass.

Limitations/implications: In the Chontalpa region of Tabasco, Mexico, small-scale farmers have largely abandoned V. unguiculata cultivation due to declining yields, primarily caused by poor agronomic management. Liquid organic fertilizers represent eco-friendly alternatives for foliar fertilization, with demonstrated efficacy in various crops, and can partially or fully replace chemical fertilizers.

Findings/conclusions: The findings suggest that applying bovine biol or worm leachate at the evaluated concentrations as foliar fertilizers can enhance both the yield and nutritional quality of V. unguiculata compared to chemical fertilization.