Impact of Rhizobium, PSB, and Phosphorus on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Growth and Yield in Humid South-Eastern Plains Region of Rajasthan

Pulses are integral to sustainable farming systems due to their dual role in improving soil fertility and supplying dietary protein. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a major rabi pulse crop in India, contributes significantly to protein nutrition and soil enrichment through biological nitrogen fixation. However, declining per capita availability of pulse protein highlights the need for improved production strategies. Phosphorus deficiency and low soil organic matter in Rajasthan constrain chickpea productivity, while biofertilizers such as Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) offer eco-friendly solutions. A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2024–25 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Career Point University, Kota, to evaluate the impact of Rhizobium, PSB, and phosphorus fertilization on chickpea growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and economics in the humid south-eastern plains of Rajasthan. The experiment, laid out in a randomized block design with different treatment combinations, showed that phosphorus application up to 30 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ significantly enhanced plant height, branching, nodulation, dry matter, pods per plant, seed yield, and seed protein content. Similarly, seed inoculation with Rhizobium + PSB produced synergistic effects on growth and yield attributes, nutrient uptake, and profitability compared with single inoculations and control. The combined application of biofertilizers with moderate phosphorus fertilization emerged as a cost-effective and sustainable approach for improving chickpea productivity and soil health in phosphorus-deficient soils.