Assessment of Plant Growth and Productivity of Kabuli Chickpea Crop as Influenced by Organic, Inorganic Inputs and Biofertilizer Application under a Partially Reclaimed Sodic Soil

Background: Kabuli chickpea or white chickpea has lower area and productivity compared to black chickpea types, especially in India which is the leading producer of chickpea across the globe. Sodic soils, common in regions like Uttar Pradesh, pose challenges to chickpea cultivation due to poor soil conditions and nutrient imbalances. Integrated use of organic, inorganic and biofertilizer inputs offers a promising approach to improving growth and yield of Kabuli chickpea in such degraded soils. Methods: Field experiments were conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25 at the Agronomy Research Farm andUAT, Ayodhya, on the Kabuli chickpea crop. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and twelve treatment combinations. This investigation studied the growth and productivity of Kabuli chickpea as influenced by organic inputs, inorganic inputs and biofertilizers (Rhizobium and PSB). Result: The integration of 50% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDP) with organic sources like FYM and vermicompost, in combination with Jeevamrit and biofertilizers (50% RDP + 25% P through FYM + 25% P through Vermicompost + Jeevamrit @ 500 L ha-1 +Biofertilizer) (T11), significantly enhanced the growth attributes, yield attributes and yield of Kabuli chickpea.