Symbiotic Parameters, Productivity and Profitability in Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as Influenced by Application of Phosphorus and Biofertilizers

The present investigation was undertaken with objectives of studying the effect of phosphorus and biofertilizer treatments on symbiotic parameters, productivity and profitability of kabuli chickpea. The field experiment was conducted during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 with five phosphorus levels (0, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kg P2O5 ha−1) and three biofertilizer treatments (uninoculated control, Mesorhizobium + RB-1 [Pseudomonas argentinensis] and Mesorhizobium + PSB-18 [Bacillus cereus]). Biofertilizers were used for inoculation of seed prior to sowing. Chlorophyll content index, number of nodules, nodule dry weight, leghaemoglobin content and nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in shoot were recorded the highest with application of 50 kg P2O5 ha−1. The highest grain yield (2059 and 2196 kg ha−1 in 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, respectively) was obtained with the application of 50 kg P2O5 ha−1 which was statistically at par with 40 kg P2O5 ha−1 (2045 and 2183 kg ha−1). However, the highest net returns and benefit-cost ratio were obtained with the application of 40 kg P2O5 ha−1. Inoculations with Mesorhizobium + RB-1 and Mesorhizobium + PSB-18 proved superior over uninoculated control with respect to all parameters studied. Mesorhizobium + RB-1 and Mesorhizobium + PSB-18 enhanced the grain yield by 15.33 and 15.52% in 2017–2018 and by 13.82 and 14.27% in 2018–2019, respectively, over uninoculated control. For obtaining high productivity and net returns of kabuli chickpea, 40 kg P2O5 ha−1 and seed inoculation with Mesorhizobium + RB-1 (Pseudomonas argentinensis) or Mesorhizobium + PSB-18 (Bacillus cereus) are found to be the most efficient.