Effect of Vermicompost, Biofertilizers and in Organic Fertilizers on Nutrient Uptake and Physico-chemical Properties of Soil: A Case Study of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

A field trial was conducted during Rabi 2020-21 in randomized block design with three replications and seven treatments comprising individual and combined application of various organic and inorganic nutrient sources at Research Farm, MMU Sadopur (Ambala), Haryana. The experiment was intended to evaluate the effect of vermicompost, biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers applied in chickpea on nutrient uptake and physico-chemical properties of soil pH (8.24). The highest organic carbon (0.58%), electrical conductivity (0.51 dS m-1), particle density (2.50 g/cm3) and porosity (48.47%) along with maximum available N (126.5 kg ha-1), P (23.2 kg/ha) and K (98.33 kg/ha) were observed in the treatment of T6 i.e., 3 t/ha Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB. Similarly, the nutrient content (N, P and K) was maximum in seed and stover of chickpea harvested from the plots receiving 3 t/ha Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB, which was statistically at par with T7 i.e., 2.5 t/ha Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB. The highest net return was recorded in plots treated with 50% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer) + Rhizobium + PSB and 75% RDF + Rhizobium + PSB with a benefit cost ratio (B: C) of 3.2 and 3.1, respectively. However, the seed yield in integrated nutrient management was comparable to recommended dose of chemical fertilizers