Preparation and evaluation of organic and inorganic nutrient-enriched compost and its effect on growth, yield, and nutrient dynamics in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The study, described as the Preparation and evaluation of organic and inorganic nutrient-enriched Compost and its impact on growth, yield, and nutrient dynamics in chickpea, was carried out in the Rabi season 2024-25 in the Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, VNMKV, Parbhani, as a field experiment. The experiment was designed in a randomized block design of eleven treatments and three replications. Findings showed that parameters of growth of the plant used like plant height, number of branches, and number of pods per plant, were significantly raised when using 75 percent of RDF (N: P₂O₅: K₂O kg ha⁻¹) + 50 percent Inorganic Nutrient Enriched Compost and then 75 percent RDF + 50 percent Organic Nutrient Enriched via Compost. Peak seed and straw productions were also attained in the mentioned treatments and the lowest values were recorded in the absolute control. Chemical properties of soil, such as the PH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, and calcium carbonate, did not differ significantly between the treatments at harvest. The content of availability of nitrogen, potassium, sulphur and DTPA-extractable micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) however, were significantly higher by the 75% RDF in the presence of 50% Inorganic Enriched and the availability of phosphorus was significantly higher in the 75% RDF in the presence of 50% Organic Nutrient Enriched Compost treatment. Equally, the greatest concentration of N, K, and S in chickpea seed and straw was found in 75 percent RDF + 50 percent Inorganic Compost and the greatest concentration of P in chickpea seed and straw was found in 75 percent RDF + 50 percent Organic Compost, with the lowest concentration being found under the control. In 75% RDF + 50 Inorganic Compost, the level of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu was maximum in seed and straw. The use of inorganic and organic composts of nutrient-enriched composts significantly enhanced nutrient uptake in chickpea. Removal of the N, K, and S was maximum under 75% RDF + 50% Inorganic Compost, removal of the P was maximum under 75% RDF + 50% Organic enriched Compost and all micronutrients were found maximum under 75% RDF + 50% Inorganic Compost; nutrient uptake was minimum in the control.