G. DHARANI, S. HEMALATHA, V. CHANDIKA AND M. RAGHAVENDRA
Department of Agronomy, ANGRAU- S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati-517 502 (Andhra Pradesh), India Department of Soil Science, ANGRAU-S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati-517 502 (Andhra Pradesh), India
*(e-mail: dgaddalapati@gmail.com)
(Received: 29 January 2026; Accepted: 29 March 2026)
SUMMARY
Fodder cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is an important leguminous forage crop valued for its rapid growth, high biomass production and superior nutritive quality, particularly under dryland and semi-arid conditions. Among plant nutrients, phosphorus plays a critical role in enhancing growth, yield, and quality parameters through its involvement in energy transfer, root development, nodulation, and metabolic activities. A comprehensive review of research findings across different agro-ecological regions reveals that increasing phosphorus application significantly improves growth attributes such as plant height, number of branches and leaves, leaf area index, leaf-to-stem ratio and dry matter production. Optimum phosphorus levels ranging from 60 to 80 kg P2O5/ha consistently recorded superior green and dry fodder yields across seasons and soil types, with higher doses showing marginal or at-par responses. Phosphorus application also influenced phenological stages, often reducing days to flowering and maturity. Quality parameters including crude protein content, crude fibre content, and ash content were significantly enhanced with adequate phosphorus nutrition. Overall, the reviewed studies indicate that balanced phosphorus fertilization is essential for maximizing productivity and improving fodder quality of cowpea, thereby contributing to sustainable fodder production and soil fertility management.
Key words: Cowpea, fodder yield, crude protein, sustainable fodder production and soil fertility management