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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Productivity enhancement in chickpea through integrated use of phosphorus, vermicompost and PSB
Authors
Priyaben R Varde, A K Saini, Lalita H Saini, N D Baria
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted during the
rabi season of 2022–23 at the Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel
College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University,
Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, to evaluate the effect of integrated use of
phosphorus, vermicompost and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on growth,
nodulation, yield attributes, productivity and economics of chickpea (Cicer
arietinum L.). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block
design with four replications comprising three levels of phosphorus (20, 30 and
40 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹), two levels of vermicompost (1 and 2 t ha⁻¹) and two levels of
PSB inoculation (without and with PSB @ 5 ml kg⁻¹ seed). The results revealed
that application of 40 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ significantly improved nodulation, yield
attributes and yield of chickpea. The treatment recorded the highest number of
nodules per plant (21.58), fresh nodule weight (126.55 mg plant⁻¹), dry nodule
weight (38.64 mg plant⁻¹), branches per plant (4.24), pods per plant (40.54),
seed yield per plant (9.14 g), seed yield (1683 kg ha⁻¹) and stover yield (2427
kg ha⁻¹). Vermicompost application at 2 t ha⁻¹ significantly enhanced
nodulation, yield attributes and productivity over 1 t ha⁻¹. Similarly, seed
inoculation with PSB significantly increased nodulation, yield components and
seed yield compared with uninoculated treatment. Harvest index and seed index
remained unaffected by the treatments. Economic analysis indicated that
application of 40 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ recorded the highest gross return (₹101,334
ha⁻¹), net return (₹58,184 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.35). The improvement
in productivity under integrated nutrient management was attributed to enhanced
phosphorus availability, improved root development, greater nodulation and
efficient nutrient utilization. The study concluded that application of 40 kg
P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ along with vermicompost at 2 t ha⁻¹ and PSB inoculation can be recommended
for achieving higher productivity and profitability of chickpea under North
Gujarat conditions.
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Pages:293-298
How to cite this article:
Priyaben R Varde, A K Saini, Lalita H Saini, N D Baria "Productivity enhancement in chickpea through integrated use of phosphorus, vermicompost and PSB". International Journal of Agriculture and Plant Science, Vol 8, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 293-298
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