Response of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to Different Sources of Phosphorus and Levels of bSulphur in Arid Western Rajasthan
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Date
2022
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College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University
Abstract
Pulses are the important source of dietary protein and have
exclusive properties of sustaining and restoring soil fertility and
increase biological value of protein. Chickpea (Cicer arietimum L.)
belongs to family fabaceae originated in south eastern turkey and
derived from the greek word „kikus‟ meaning force or strength.
Chickpea is mostly consumed in the form of processed whole seed and
dal but also used for preparing a variety of snacks, sweets and
condiments which are very useful for stomach ailments and blood
purification (Singh et al., 2018). India is the largest producer and
acreage holder of chickpea in the world. In India, it is cultivated in
10.56 million hectares with an annual production of 11.23 million
tonnes with productivity of 1063 kg ha -1 (Anonymous, 2020-21a). It is
extensively cultivated in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat,
Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. In Rajasthan, the crop occupied 15.97
lakh hectares and produced 18.67 lakh tonnes with the productivity of
1169 kg ha -1 (Anonmyous, 2020-21b). Bikaner, Sri Ganganager,
Hanumangarh, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Jaisalmer, Rajasamand, Nagaur,
Tonk, SawaiMadhopur, Jodhpur, Bhilwara, Jaipur and Jhalawar are
important chickpea growing districts of Rajasthan. It contains 18-22 per
cent protein, 52-70 per cent carbohydrate, 4-10 per cent fat and
sufficient quantity of minerals, calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamins.
Besides, it is also important for sustainable agriculture as it improves
the physico-chemical and biological properties of the soil. Its deep
roots also open the soil, which ensure better aeration and heavy leaf
drop increases the organic matter content in soil. It can fix about 25-30
kg N ha -1 through symbiosis and these minimize dependency on
chemical fertilizers (Reddy and Reddy, 2005). Thus, chickpea plays a
vital role in improving the soil health. Production of chickpea is limited
by lack of plant nutrient available in the soil, because majority of our farmers hardly use any manure or fertilizer for legume cultivation.
However, there is a possibility to enhance the productivity through
optimum fertilization and management, as there is a wide gap between
the average yield and yield potential of crop. Plant nutrient, suitable
cultivars and correct fertilizer have significant effect on yield and yield
component (Khan et al., 2005).