Effects of Rock Phosphate, Farmyard Manure, and Vermicompost on Growth, Yield, and Soil Quality in Field Cultivation of Chickpea

Abstract

The study was carried out to find out the effect of Rock phosphate and organic manures on growth, yield and soil quality of chickpea cultivation and suitable doses of FYM, Vermicompost and Rock Phosphate for Chickpea. The Field experiment was conducted at organic research farm Karguan Ji, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University Jhansi (UP), India during rabi season of 2023-2024.  The experiment was laid out in randomized block design comprises Three levels of rock phosphate (200, 300 and 400 kg/ha) and two levels of FYM and Vermicompost (100% and 50%) with three replications. The application of FYM, Vermicompost and Rock phosphate were obtained significantly higher values in respect to growth, yield attributes and soil quality of chickpea in all the treatments, over control. The highest values were recorded in respect ofplant height (36.37cm), number of branches/plants (11.48), number of pods/plants (99.92), number of seeds/pods (2.67), grain yield (15.57 q/ha), stover yield (21.26 q/ha), biological yield (36.84 q/ha), 100 seed weight (17.91gram) and harvest index (43.54%).Soil pH: Ranged from 6.23 (T1 and T7) to 6.70 (T2 and T5). Soil Electrical Conductivity (Ec): Ranged from 0.49 dS/m (T5) to 0.65 dS/m (T6).Soil Organic Carbon (OC): Ranged from 0.61% (T0) to 0.94% (T7).Available Nitrogen (N): Ranged from 86.77 kg/ha (T0) to 155.57 kg/ha (T7).Available Phosphorus (P): Ranged from 11.07 kg/ha (T0) to 21.50 kg/ha (T4).Available Potassium (K): Ranged from 155.90 kg/ha (T0) to 201.93 kg/ha (T6).Available Sulphur (S): Ranged from 9.25 Mg/kg (T0) to 19.90 Mg/kg (T4).The combined application of FYM, vermicompost, and rock phosphate significantly enhanced chickpea growth, yield, and soil nutrient availability, demonstrating the potential for improved and sustainable agricultural practices. These findings align with previous research indicating the beneficial effects of organic amendments on soil and plant health.