Influence of rhizobiuminoculant, nitrogen and boron on nodulation, dry weight and grain yield of chickpea

Abstract

Abstract : The effects of Rhizobium inoculant, nitrogen and boron on nodulation, dry matter production and grain yield of two varieties of chickpea viz Hyprosola and Nabin were tested in a field trial. The number of total and effective nodules, dry weight of nodules and tops as well as grain yield of both the varieties of the crop increased significantly due to application of Rhizobium inoculant. Nitrogen in the form of urea did not perform well as compared to Rhizobium inoculant in all the cases except that application of this fertilizer yielded higher dry matter in Hyprosola. Application of boron at the rate of l kg/ha along with Rhizobium inoculant stimulated the number of total and effective nodules, dry weight of tops and grain yield of the variety Nabin. However, Hyprosola was found to be sensitive in presence of boron irrespective of level used. Fertilization of the soil with higher amount of boron (4 kg/ha) was found detrimental for both the varieties of the crop. There was a high positive correlation between the number of total and effective nodules with dry weight of nodules, plant tops and grain yield. Dry weight of nodules, plant tops and grain yield were also found strongly correlated amongst each other.