Organic fertilizers boost chickpea yields and soil nutrients in Rajasthan.
The researchers studied how different types of phosphorus sources and microbial inoculation affected the growth and nutrient uptake of chickpeas in sandy loam soil. They found that using P-enriched organic manures and fertilizer, along with Rhizobium and phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms, significantly improved chickpea growth, yield, and nutrient uptake. The best results were seen with P-enriched vermicompost and Rhizobium and PSM inoculation, leading to the highest grain and stover yields. Additionally, applying organic manures and fertilizer increased available nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil after harvest, while using fertilizer decreased available sulfur.