Evaluation of Different Nutrient Management Practices for Enhancing Growth and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

The present investigation entitled Evaluation of Different Nutrient Management Practices for Enhancing Growth and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) was conducted at the Vikrant Agriculture Research & Development Centre, Sakatpura, Vikrant University, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) during the Rabi season of 2025–26. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and comprised the following treatments: T₁ = Control, (No fertiliser application) + Beejamrit (seed treatment) + Jeevamrit (soil application), T₂ = 100% RDF through inorganic fertilisers + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit, T₃ = 100% Nitrogen through FYM + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit,  T₄ = 100% Nitrogen through Vermicompost + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit, T₅ = 50% RDF + 50% Nitrogen through FYM + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit, T₆ = 50% RDF + 50% Nitrogen through Vermicompost + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit,  T₇ = 75% RDF + 25% Nitrogen through FYM + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit and T₈ = 75% RDF + 25% Nitrogen through Vermicompost + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit. The results of the study revealed that Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) significantly improved the growth, yield, and economic performance of the crop. Among all treatments, T₈ recorded the best overall performance with the highest plant height (64.3 cm), branches per plant (8.5), dry matter accumulation (25.7 g plant⁻¹), pods per plant (75.4), seeds per pod (2.9), 100-seed weight (25.7 g), seed yield (18.98 q ha⁻¹), biological yield (48.7 q ha⁻¹), and harvest index (43.3%). However, the highest B:C ratio was obtained in T₈ (2.9). Therefore, while T₈ is recommended for maximising growth and yield, T₇ is the most profitable option for farmers under the given experimental conditions.