Effect of potassium fulvate, iron and zinc as foliar sprays on yield and quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2024-25 at the College of Agriculture, Karad to evaluate the effect of foliar application of potassium fulvate extracted from vermicompost, along with iron and zinc, on yield and quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Treatments consisted of graded levels of potassium fulvate (200, 400, and 600 ppm) applied alone and in combination with FeSO₄ and ZnSO₄ (0.5% each) with general recommended dose of fertilizers (GRDF). The results revealed that foliar spray of potassium fulvate at 400 ppm along with FeSO₄ and ZnSO₄ significantly increased grain yield (25.53 q ha⁻¹), straw yield (30.64 q ha⁻¹), and protein content (19.29%) as compared to control. This treatment also improved quality attributes of chickpea grains. The findings demonstrate the potential of integrating fulvate salt, Fe and Zn micronutrient foliar sprays with GRDF which improve yield and quality of chickpea cultivation.