Effect of pressmud amended pyrite on symbiotic N₂‐fixation, active iron contents of nodules, grain yield and quality of chick pea (cicer arietinum Linn.) Genotypes in calcareous soil

Abstract

Pressmud amended pyrite (8 q pyrite + 50 q/ha pressmud or 16 q pyrite + 50 q pressmud/ha) resulted in significantly higher nodule number/ plant, their dry‐weight/plant, N₂ase activity, active iron content of nodules, grain yield, acetone soluble content of leaves, iron content of seeds, methionine and cysteine contents of seeds than pyrite or pressmud alone. Differential response of genotypes to different treatment was observed in the order of C 235 > H 208 > BR 77 and their interactions with pyrite and pressmud were also found significant. Maximum yield was observed in variety C 235 followed by H 208 and BR 77. In the contrast maximum acetone soluble content of leaves was found in genotype BR 77 followed by H 208 and C 235. Pressmud is sugarcane waste.

Key words:

• Iron deficiency
• Rhizobium