Effect of Nitrogen- and Phosphorus-Based Liquid Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield Attributes of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important pulse crops cultivated in India due to its high nutritional value, ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, and adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions. However, declining soil fertility, low phosphorus availability, and excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers have emerged as major constraints to sustainable chickpea production. Liquid bio-fertilizers containing beneficial microorganisms such as Rhizobium and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative for enhancing nutrient availability, improving soil health, and increasing crop productivity. Keeping these aspects in view, a field experiment entitled “Influence of Nitrogen- and Phosphorus-Based Liquid Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield, and Nutrient Uptake of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)” was conducted during the rabi season of 2022–23 at the Department of Agronomy, School of Agricultural Sciences, Career Point University, Kota, Rajasthan, India. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications, comprising sixteen treatment combinations involving four fertility levels [control (F₀), 10 kg N + 30 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ (F₁), 15 kg N + 40 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ (F₂), and 20 kg N + 50 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ (F₃)] and four liquid biofertilizer treatments [control (LB₀), liquid Rhizobium inoculation (LB₁), liquid PSB inoculation (LB₂), and combined liquid Rhizobium + PSB inoculation (LB₃)]. Chickpea variety GNG-1958 was sown at a spacing of 30 × 10 cm using a seed rate of 80 kg ha⁻¹. Growth parameters, nodulation, yield attributes, seed and haulm yield, nutrient uptake, protein content, chlorophyll content, soil fertility status, and economic returns were recorded and analyzed. The experimental soil was clay loam in texture, slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 8.03), low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, and high in available potassium. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of integrated nutrient management through nitrogen, phosphorus, and liquid bio-fertilizers on crop growth, productivity, nutrient uptake, and profitability. It was hypothesized that the combined application of recommended nitrogen and phosphorus levels with liquid Rhizobium and PSB inoculation would enhance nodulation, nutrient availability, physiological efficiency, and yield while improving soil fertility and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. The investigation provides valuable insights into sustainable nutrient management strategies for chickpea cultivation under the humid south-eastern plain region of Rajasthan. The findings are expected to support the development of economically viable and environmentally sustainable fertilizer recommendations by integrating inorganic fertilizers with liquid bio-fertilizers, thereby contributing to improved productivity, soil health, and long-term agricultural sustainability.