Interactive effect of rhizotrophic microorganisms on yield and nutrient uptake of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The interactive effect of rhizotrophic microorganisms on the yield and nutrient uptake of chickpea plants and soil was determined in a sandy clay loam soil, deficient in available phosphorus (P). Plant yield and nutrient uptake were significantly enhanced as a result of inoculation with Rhizobium sp. and phosphate solubilising microorganisms (PSM), Pseudomonas striata or Penicillium variable. Plant yield and nutrient uptake were further augmented by the addition of AM fungus, Glomus fasciculatum in the combined inoculation treatment with Rhizobium sp. + P. striata. However, a negative effect occurred on all the considered parameters when G. fasciculatum was added to the combination of Rhizobium sp. and P. variable. In addition, the available P status of the soil improved by the addition of P. striata with Rhizobium sp. and AM fungus. The nitrogen content of the soil did not show appreciable changes after the inoculation. The population of phosphate solubilising microorganism in combinations on root infections and spore density of the AM fungus in the soil showed increase between 45 and 90 days of plant growth. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.