Yield, protein content, nutrient content and uptake of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as influenced by graded levels of fertilizers and bio-fertilizers

A field study was undertaken during winter (rabi) season of 2013-2014 to explore the effect of graded levels of fertilizers and bio-fertilizers on yield of chickpea, protein content in chickpea seeds and nutrient uptake by the crop. Significantly higher seed and stover yields (1854, 2722 kg ha-1, respectively) were recorded with application of fertilizer @ 100% RDF (25:50:00, kg N:P:K ha-1). Remarkable improvements in protein content, nutrient content as well as their uptake were also observed with the treatment of 100% RDF. Various treatments of bio-fertilizers also produced significant variation on yield, protein content and nutrient content and uptake by crop. The crop sown with Rhizobium and PSB both as seed treatment (B4) showed significant improvement in seed yield (1824 kg ha-1) and stover yields (2709 kg ha-1) but remained at par with Rhizobium as seed treatment + PSB as soil application (B2) and Rhizobium as seed treatment + VAM as soil application (B3). Considerable improvement in nutrient content and uptake was also noticed under Rhizobium and PSB both as seed treatment (B4). Significantly higher protein content in chickpea seeds was recorded with Rhizobium and PSB both as seed treatment (B4), but it remained at par with Rhizobium as seed treatment + PSB as soil application (B2) and Rhizobium as seed treatment + VAM as soil application (B3).