Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Based Liquid Bio-Fertilizers on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season at the Agriculture Instructional farm, School of Agricultural Sciences, Career Point University, Kota (Rajasthan), to evaluate the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus-based liquid bio-fertilizers on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The objective was to assess crop performance under varying fertility levels and identify economically viable nutrient management practices. The study employed four fertility levels (Control, 10 kg N + 30 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, 15 kg N + 40 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, and 20 kg N + 50 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) and four bio-fertilizer treatments (Control, Liquid Rhizobium, Liquid PSB, and Rhizobium + PSB combination). The treatment comprising 20 kg N + 50 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ with dual inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB recorded the highest seed yield (2035 kg ha⁻¹), net return (₹76,641 ha⁻¹), and benefit-cost ratio (2.5). Enhanced growth parameters, yield attributes, nutrient uptake, and quality traits were observed with increased fertility levels and bio-fertilizer application.