Effect of phosphorus and zinc on nodulation and nitrogen fixation in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

A green house study was conducted on the effect of P and Zn on nodulation and N fixation in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in a loamy sand (Typic Torripsamments) using treatment combinations of five levels of P (0, 25, 50, 100 and 250 ppm), and six levels of Zn (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 100 ppm). The number, dry matter and leghaemoglobin content of nodules, and amount of N fixed generally increased with Zn alone upto 19 ppm and P alone upto 50 ppm, and decreased with their higher levels. Application of 25 to 50 ppm P and 5 to 10 ppm Zn counteracted to a greater extent the adverse effect of 40 and 100 ppm Zn, and 250 ppm P, resp. Maximum nodulation and N fixation (91 to 145~ over zero P and Zn, at maturity) was recorded with 25 to 50 ppm P applied along with 5 to 10 ppm Zn. At 64 days, depletion in soil-N was noted, particularly when P was applied, whereas at maturity there was a gain in soil~N, ranging from 10.5 to 44.5 kg/2 x 106 kg soil depending upon P and Zn treatments. The increase in nodulation and N fixation with balanced P and Zn nutrition might be attributed to an increase in leghaernoglobin, and K and Fe concentration in nodules, and increased plant growth, resulting into enhanced activity of N fixing organisms. The results showed that balanced P and Zn nutrition is essential not only for plant growth but also for maximum activity of Rhizobium for N fixation.

Short communication. Response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to soil zinc application

“…Zn deficiency decreases yield and delays crop maturity. It also reduces water use and water use efficiency (Khan et al, 2004), as also root nodulation and hence nitrogen fixation (Shukla and Yadav, 1982). Zn deficiency can be easily overcome by soil application and by foliar application of Zn fertilizers (Roy et al, 2006).…”

Chickpea (Cicer arietinumL.) response to zinc, boron and molybdenum application under field conditions

“…The consequences of Zn deficiency include reduced yield and a delay in crop maturity. Furthermore, Zn deficiency reduces water use, water use efficiency (Khan et al 2004), nodulation and nitrogen fixation (Shukla & Yadav 1982;Ahlawat et al 2007), which further contributes to a decrease in crop yield. Critical Zn concentrations in soils vary from 0.48Á 2.5 mg kg…”

Evaluation of New Cultivars of Fodder Cowpea in Terms of Growth Attributes and Seed Yield as Influenced by Various Doses and Varieties

“…It is considered to be the most important nutrient for growth, better nodulation and higher nitrogen fixation of legumes like cowpea as reported by Rajshree and Pillai (2001). Nodulation and nitrogen fixation are also influenced by phosphatic fertilizers (Shukla and Yadav, 1982). The importance of phosphorus in the maintenance of the soil fertility and improving crop productivity is well recognized.…”