Enhancing chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) productivity through nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria: Effects on nodulation, growth, and yield

This study investigates the synergistic effects of nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria on chickpea's nodulation, plant growth, and yield (Cicer arietinum L.). Field experiments were conducted using various microbial treatments, including Rhizobium spp., phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and their combination. Parameters such as nodule number and weight, shoot and root biomass, pod number, and grain yield were recorded. Results indicated that co-inoculation significantly enhanced all measured parameters compared to the control and single inoculations. These findings support the potential of biofertilizers as sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers in chickpea production.