INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PHOSPHORUS AND BIOFERTILIZERS ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF CHICKPEA

Abstract

This research was conducted at the Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, AKS University, Satna (M.P.), during the Rabi season of 2020–2021. Employing a Factorial Randomized Block Design, the study encompassed twelve treatment combinations derived from four phosphorus levels (P0= Control, P1= 20 kg P2O5/ha, P2= 40 kg P2O5/ha and P3= 60 kgP2O5/ha)andthreebiofertilizerlevels(B1=Rhizobium,B2=PSB,andB3=KSB,eachat10 ml/kgseed),eachreplicatedthreetimes.Thefindingsunderscoredthe significantinfluenceof phosphorus levels on various chickpeaplant characteristics, including height, branch number, and nodulation per plant. Notably, the highest phosphorus level (90 kg P2O5/ha) consistently yielded the tallest plants with the most branches and nodules, alongside maximizing pod number, seeds per pod, grain and stover yield, and elevating protein content. Furthermore, inoculation with Rhizobium at 10 ml/kg seed demonstrated enhanced growth attributes, yield components,andproteincontentcomparedtootherinoculationlevels.Inconclusion,thestudy highlights that applying 90 kg phosphorus per hectare and Rhizobium inoculation at 10 ml/kg seed significantly augments chickpea crop growth, yield, and protein content, advocating for their advantageous integration into agricultural practices.