Effect of zinc, iron and biofertilizer application on growth, yield and quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The research was conducted at the Central Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences (SHUATS) in Prayagraj during the Rabi season of 2022-23. The experimental design employed was a Randomized Block Design (RBD), with application of Zn, Iron along with standard fertilizer dose (RDF). This design aimed to systematically assess the combined effects of these factors on the specified parameters, providing valuable insights into the potential benefits of using micronutrients on growth and yield of chickpea, variety the "Sadabahar" variety.The details of treatment given are T1 (Absolute control); T2 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T3 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T4 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T5 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T6 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T7 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T8 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T9 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T10 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T11 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T12 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T13 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1); T14 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1) and T15 (RDF 100% + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1).The treatment T15 was found to be the best for growth and yield parameters, followed by treatment T14in chickpea. Treatment T1 had the lowest results, demonstrating that farmers should apply the full recommended dosage of NPK, Fe, Zn, and biofertilizer. As a rapid fix for the Zn/Fe deficiency issue in soil and human populations, fertiliser strategy should be implemented nationwide in India, where a high incidence of Zn/Fe deficiency is observed. When the research programmes were first started, they were primarily focused on developing the most effective ways to apply zinc and ferrous iron to enhance their absorption in soil and maximise their accumulation in grain. In addition to organic matter, biofertilizer is applied to the soil to promote long-term soil fertility and sustainability. In order to address Zn and Fe deficiencies linked to soil and human health issues in India, it would be highly desirable and practical to investigate the bioavailability of grain Zn/Fe derived from applications.