Effect of Zinc, Iron and Biofertilizer on Physical Property of Soil under Chickpea Cultivation

The research was conducted at the Central Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences (SHUATS) in Prayagraj during the Rabi season of 2022-23. The experimental design employed was a Randomized Block Design (RBD), with application of Zn, Iron along with standard fertilizer dose (RDF). This design aimed to systematically assess the combined effects of these factors on the specified parameters, insightful information about the potential advantages of using micronutrients in cultivation of chickpea, particularly the “Sadabahar” variety. In the study, Bulk density Mg m-3); Particle density (Mg m-3); Pore Space (%); Water holding capacity (%) was calculated by methods suggested by Muthuvel et al. [1]. The details of nano mixed micronutrients treatment given are T1 (Absolute control); T2 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T3 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T4 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T5 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T6 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T7 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T8 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T9 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T10 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T11 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T12 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T13 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1); T14 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1) and T15 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1).Zinc and Iron improve root development and microbial activity, enhancing soil structure and porosity. Rhizobium further promotes root nodulation and organic matter decomposition, increasing soil aggregation and moisture retention. This balanced nutrient and microbial application optimizes soil physical properties, leading to superior water holding capacity and pore space.