Effect of NPK and vermicompost on growth characteristics and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a nutritionally and economically important legume crop in India and many semi-arid regions. However, productivity remains below potential due to suboptimal nutrient management. This study evaluates the individual and combined effects of different levels of NPK and vermicompost on the growth, yield attributes, and productivity of chickpea under field conditions at Mewar University, Rajasthan. The experiment, arranged in a split-plot design with three replications, examined three NPK levels (50%, 75%, 100% RDF) and three vermicompost levels (0, 50%, 100% RD). The highest values for plant height, branch number, biomass accumulation, seed weight, and overall seed and straw yields were recorded under the integrated treatment of 100% RDF + 100% vermicompost. These findings affirm the synergistic role of integrated nutrient management (INM) in enhancing soil fertility, plant health, and chickpea productivity in resource-limited environments.