Nurturing rainfed chickpea growth and profitability with hydrogel and foliar nutrition

Madhya Pradesh boasts the highest production and consumption of pulses in India, with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) being one of the most important winter season legumes for nutrition and soil health. Despite the importance of chickpea cultivation, especially in the rainfed regions, there are challenges such as water scarcity and low nutrient use efficiency. This study determined the impacts of hydrogel application along with foliar nutrition on the growth, yield, and economic benefits of chickpea cultivation in rainfed conditions of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh in the 2023-24 rabi season. It utilized a split-plot design with two levels of hydrogel application (0 and 5 kg ha⁻¹) and three levels of nutrition (water, 2% urea, 500 ppm thiourea). Growth, yield, and economic parameters were collected and analyzed. Findings revealed that the application of hydrogel improved early growth traits, root nodule development, and dry matter yield. Moreover, foliar urea improved height, branching, and yield components. Though yields were not significantly different with hydrogel application, 1111.77 kg ha⁻¹ of grain yield and economic returns were highest with 2% urea. Use of hydrogel and foliar nutrition enhanced the physiological efficiency and performance of the crop under rainfed conditions. Therefore, urea foliar application, together with hydrogel soil amendment, is proposed as a strategy to enhance chickpea productivity and profitability in water-scarce regions.