Effect of varying levels of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea under sub-tropical condition

A field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Centre of School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh during rabi 2021–22 and 2022–23 to study the influence of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea under sub-tropical condition of Madhya Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (factorial experiment) by taking four levels of phosphorus, viz. 0 kg P2 O5 /ha, 30 kg P2 O5 /ha, 40 kg P2 O5 /ha, 50 kg P2 O5 /ha and bio-fertilizers (No inoculation, PSB (B. thuringiensis) @ 20 g/kg of seed, Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) @ 20 g/kg of seed PSB (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) which were replicated thrice. The chickpea variety “JG-16” was uniformly fertilized by 20 kg N/ ha through Urea. However, phosphorus and bio-fertilizers were applied as per the requirement of the treatments. The crop was managed as per the recommended package and practices. The experimental study revealed that among the phosphorus levels, the application of 50 kg P/ha recorded significantly highest plant height, number of nodules, shoot dry matter accumulation, number of primary and secondary branches. Further, it also produced highest seed, stover, biological yield and harvest index. Similar, result showed in N, P, K uptake. However, among the bio-fertilizers, application of Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium Mesorhizobium resulted in highest plant height, number of nodules, shoot dry matter accumulation, number of primary and secondary branches, seed and stover yield, biological yield and harvest index of chickpea. Application of 50 kg ha-1 phosphorus and combined treatment of Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) resulted in highest gross return, net return and Benefit: cost ratio.