Yield, Protein Content, Nutrient (N, P and K) Content and their Uptake in 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 (B) 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