Effect of vermicompost, biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is important leguminous crop, which meets protein requirement of masses globally especially vegetarian people. It fixes atmospheric nitrogen by nodulation and hence, enhances soil fertility. Nutrient supply is the most important factor for achieving higher productivity in chickpea. Harmful effects of chemical fertilizers have made it necessary to rethink about alternative sources of nutrient supply. Its seed yield depends on application of balanced nutrition. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate integrated nutrient management on seed yield. A field trial was conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with a triplicated set of seven treatments at Research Farm, MMU Sadopur, Ambala, Haryana to evaluate the effect of vermicompost, biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea during Rabi 2020-21. Data was recorded on seed yield and its attributes. Analysis of variance was conducted to assess differences in treatments using critical difference values. The highest seed yield of chickpea (18.89 q/ha), straw yield (23.47 q/ha), biological yield (42.36 q/ha), plant height (35.54 cm), protein content (24.53%), 100-seed weight (25.81 g), number of pods plant-1 (47.08), and number of seeds pod-1 (1.4) were observed in plots treated with 3 t/ha Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB followed by the treatments of 2.5 t/ha vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB and 5 t/ha vermicompost.