EFFECT OF BIOFERTILIZERS (RHIZOBIUM AND PSB) WITH AND WITHOUT MOLYBDENUM ON BIOMASS PRODUCTION, UPTAKE AND QUALITY OF CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.)

The use of effective bio-inoculants in chickpea cultivation is a potential strategy to improve biomass yield and nutrient absorption in rainfed conditions.This research assessed the effects of biofertilizers, namely Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), in conjunction with molybdenum on nutrient absorption and quality metrics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).Field experiment was executed during the rabi season of 2020-21 at the Research Farm, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, JNKVV, Jabalpur.The trial had a randomized block design including 10 treatments, each replicated three times.The treatments included different combinations of Rhizobium (10 g, 15 g, and 20 g), PSB (20 g), and ammonium molybdate (0.5 g and 1 g) per kilogram of seed, alongside a control group for comparison.The findings indicated that the treatment including Rhizobium, PSB, and molybdenum (1g kg -1 seed) yielded the most substantial enhancements in biomass production and nutrient absorption.Nitrogen intake was 61.29 kg ha -1 in seeds and 26.20 kg ha -1 in stover, while phosphorus uptake was 6.68 kg ha -1 in seeds and 8.77 kg ha -1 in stover.This treatment resulted in the greatest protein concentration in chickpea seed, reaching a maximum of 22.86%.Moreover, the integration of biofertilizers and molybdenum enhanced Sulphur absorption in both seeds (2.77 kg ha -1 ) and stover (4.73 kg ha -1 ), surpassing treatments devoid of molybdenum.The results indicate that using biofertilizers in combination with molybdenum offers a sustainable approach to improving the nutritional content and yield of chickpea in rainfed environments, especially on Vertisol soils.