Synergistic effects of bio-stimulant and nutrient application on growth, yield, and grain quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) grown under rain-fed environment

Abstract

Improving chickpea productivity under rain-fed environment requires nutrient management strategies that enhance growth, yield stability, and grain quality. A two-year field study (2019–20 and 2020–21) evaluated the effectiveness of integrated application of bio-stimulant (Actibion), macro (NPK) and micro (Zn and B) nutrients on chickpea under rain-fed environment. Foliar spray of Actibion @ 1250 mL ha⁻¹, NPK (16 : 18 : 18) @ 3%, and B @ 0.2% + Zn @ 0.3% solution were applied independently or in combination at flower initiation stage in comparison to control (no spray) and water spray. In both studied years, foliar application of Actibion, macro and micro-nutrients either applied individually or in combination significantly enhanced growth, yield and quality of chickpea. However, the integrated application of Actibion @ 1250 mL ha⁻¹, NPK (16 : 18 : 18) @ 3%, and B @ 0.2% + Zn @ 0.3% solution had a more pronounced impact than all tested treatments, enhanced the average plant height (55.75%) nodulation (49.87%), crop growth rate (49.17%), seed yield (54.52%) as compared to control during both years of study. Nutrient content analysis showed that highest nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, boron and protein contents were observed under integrated application. This treatment also yielded the highest net income, demonstrating both agronomic and financial benefits than rest of the treatments. In light of these results, we recommend the integrated application of Actibion @ 1250 mL ha⁻¹, NPK (16 : 18 : 18) @ 3%, and B @ 0.2% + Zn @ 0.3% solution, as an effective strategy for improving productivity and nutritional quality of chickpea under rain-fed environment.