Effect of Organic Fertilizers and Date of Planting on Varieties of Vigna radiata in the Initial Growth Stage

Proper management is required to increase yields of Vigna radiata. To evaluate the effect of different levels of organic fertilizers and date of planting on the yield of two varieties of Vigna radiata, a split plot factorial experiment was carried out on randomized complete blocks with three replications in a field located in Ali-Abad Katoul in growing season of 2013-14. Experimental factors consisted of organic fertilizer at four levels, 1– control, 2– compost (10 tons in hectare), 3– manure (30 tons in hectare), and 4– combined use of manure and compost (20 tons per hectare), two varieties (native to Ali-Abad Katoul and improved VC) and three planting dates (June 11, July 1, July 21). The results showed a significant effect of planting date on the leaf area, total dry weight, shoot dry weight, leaf dry weight, stem length at 1%, and the same effect on the root penetration in the initial growth stage of the plants (seedlings) and 5% levels of probabilities respectivly. The application of organic fertilizers (compost, manure, and a compost and manure mixture) had a significant effect on the plant height and root depth at the 5% level of probabilites. Al together, the local Ali-Abad Katoul variety grew better than the VC variety. We conclude that the environment compatibility of variety, proper planting dates and use of organic fertilizers, especially mixed with manure compost, can have a positive effect on Vigna radiata growth.