Impact of organic and inorganic fertilizer integration on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) yield and soil health

Abstract

The research titled “Impact of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Integration on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Yield and Soil Health” was carried out at the Agricultural Research Farm, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Allied Industries, Rama University, Mandhana, Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The chickpea variety Digvijay, also known as Phule G-9425-5, was utilized for the study. Ten treatments, including a control, were applied. The findings indicated that the highest plant population per square meter (31.67) was observed in treatment T10, which consisted of 50% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) + Vermicompost (2.5 t/ha) + Rhizobium + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB). Similarly, treatment T10 recorded the highest plant population (24.33) and the greatest plant heights (15.90 cm, 33.07 cm, and 41.07 cm) at 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing (DAS), respectively. Additionally, the maximum number of pods per plant (55) and the highest grain yield (18.77 quintals per hectare) were achieved with treatment T10 (50% RDF + Vermicompost (2.5 t/ha) + Rhizobium + PSB).