Impact of different Rhizobium isolates on yield attributes, yield and post-harvest soil available nitrogen in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

This study evaluated the impact of different Rhizobium isolates on yield attributes, overall yield, and post-harvest soil available nitrogen in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Various Rhizobium isolates were applied individually and in combination with recommended fertilizer doses under field conditions. Results demonstrated that inoculation with effective Rhizobium isolates (T₉-RDF + Rhizobium Local Isolate 21) significantly enhanced number of pod plant-1(64.71), number of seed pod-1(2.67), test weight (186.25 g, grain yield (17.09 q ha-1) and straw yield (24.75 q ha-1). Furthermore, treated plots showed a notable increase in residual soil nitrogen (258.49 kg ha-1) after harvest, indicating enhanced biological nitrogen fixation and soil fertility benefits. The findings suggest that selecting and applying suitable Rhizobium isolates can be a sustainable strategy to improve chickpea productivity while maintaining soil health.