Synergistic Effects of Nano-emulsion Biofertilizer and Organic Manures on Agronomic Traits of Chickpea

Identifying sustainable agricultural practices that simultaneously boost yield from existing farmland and optimize resource use efficiency is critical to meet the growing demands of an expanding population amid dwindling natural resources. Strengthening nutrient management approaches that enhance crop productivity, improve soil health, increase soil organic carbon, and maintain energy balance can promote sustainability in agricultural systems. In this context, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), distinguished by its comparatively high protein content among pulse crops, serves as an ideal model to evaluate diverse nutrient management strategies. Field investigations were conducted during the Rabi 2023-2024 season in the western part of Tamil Nadu state, India. The treatments were imposed in a factorial randomized block design with two factors: soil and foliar applications. The soil application consists of S₁ – 100% recommended dose of fertilizer, S₂ – 75% recommended dose of fertilizer + farm yard manure at 10 t ha⁻¹, S₃ – 75% recommended dose of fertilizer + vermicompost at 5 t ha⁻¹, S₄ – 50% recommended dose of fertilizer + farm yard manure at 10 t ha⁻¹, and S₅ – 50% recommended dose of fertilizer + vermicompost at 5 t ha⁻¹, while the foliar application includes F₁ – nano di-ammonium Phosphate (two sprays at 2% at 30 and 45 days after sowing), F₂ – nano urea (two sprays at 2% at 30 and 45 days after sowing), and F₃ – nano emulsion biofertilizer (two sprays at 10 ml L⁻¹ at 30 and 45 days after sowing). The application of nanoemulsion biofertilizer provided the highest values for growth, physiological, and yield parameters of chickpea at 30, 45, and 60 days after sowing, and at harvest. The grain yield and stover yield were recorded as 1111.60 kg ha⁻¹ and 2501.10 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. The combined application of the recommended 50% fertilizer dose + vermicompost at 5 t ha⁻¹ with nanoemulsion biofertilizer was found to be the most effective for chickpea productivity in the western part of Tamil Nadu, India.