A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 2000–2001 and 2001–2002, to study the effect of levels and mode of phosphorus, and biofertilizers [vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB)] on yield attributes and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L). Inoculation of biofertilizers significantly increased yield attributes of pods/plant and seeds/plant and yield of chickpea. Among biofertilizers, dual inoculation of PSB+VAM markedly enhanced these yield attributes and yield compared with PSB or VAM alone. Application of phosphorus from 0 to 60 kg P2O5/ha resulted in linear increase in yield attributes and yield. Aqua placement of phosphorus significantly increased grain yield in first year only.
PSB, VAM, Aqua placement, Dry placement, Phosphorus, Chickpea, Dryland
