Yield Potential and Economics of 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 and economics of chickpea 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). 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 (B₂) and Rhizobium as seed treatment + VAM as soil application (B₃). Highest B: C ratio (4.90) was recorded by treatment combination F₂B₄.