Effect of foliar application of potassium nitrate on yield attributes, productivity and economics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivation in south-western Punjab

Green chickpea is a popular proteinaceous vegetable in Punjab. Abiotic stress due to high temperature under saline irrigation is a potential cause of low productivity. To assess the effect of nutrient management strategies on the productivity of chick pea mitigating abiotic stress, an on farm study was conducted in selected villages in Faridkot district of Punjab during 2019-20. Foliar application of 2% urea (T₂), 1% KNO₃ (T₃) and urea followed by 1% KNO₃ (T₄) along with recommended fertilizer dose increased the productivity of green chickpea (8.9 to 12.1%), peeled off chickpea (5.5 to 11.1%) and chickpea seed (20.7 to 30.2%) over recommended fertilizer dose (T₁), contributing to increase in total biomass due to more uptake of nutrients. The marketing of green chickpea generated farm income of 77.1 to 141.1 q ha⁻¹ of Wheat Equivalent Yield (WEY).