Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Economic Returns of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a vital pulse crop contributing significantly to food and nutritional security in India. However, its productivity is constrained by nutrient deficiencies and declining soil fertility. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), which combines chemical fertilizers, organic manures, and biofertilizers, has been identified as a sustainable approach to improve soil health and crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2024–25 at the Agricultural Farm of Mewar University, Rajasthan, to evaluate the impact of INM on the growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and economic returns of chickpea under irrigated conditions. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments involving different combinations of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), vermicompost, and biofertilizers. Results revealed that the combined application of 75% RDF + 25% vermicompost + biofertilizers (T₇) consistently outperformed other treatments, recording the highest plant height (67.1 cm), dry matter accumulation (21.83 g/plant), yield attributes (54.46 pods/plant, 2.25 seeds/pod, 100-seed weight of 20.6 g), and grain yield (2430 kg/ha). Economic analysis further confirmed that T₇ provided maximum net returns (₹70,600/ha) with a high benefit-cost ratio (2.26), comparable to 100% RDF (2.27).