Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

An agronomic investigation was carried out during the rabi seasons of 2024–25 and 2025–26 at the Crop Research Centre of ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. The study evaluated the influence of integrated nutrient and biostimulant management on growth and physiological attributes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) variety JG-24. The experiment used a randomised block design with three replications and fifteen treatments. Among the treatments, 100% RDF + Zn @ 5 kg ha⁻¹ + S @ 25 kg ha⁻¹ + biodigester @ 10% + Kappaphycus seaweed sap @ 10% consistently produced the highest values for the measured growth and physiological attributes. At harvest, this treatment recorded plant heights of 41.74 and 42.23 cm, primary branch counts of 7.79 and 8.14 plant⁻¹, secondary branch counts of 15.93 and 16.40 plant⁻¹, and dry matter accumulation of 602.12 and 619.48 g m⁻² during 2024–25 and 2025–26, respectively. The highest leaf area indices at 90 DAS were 3.34 and 3.44. Crop growth rates from 90 DAS to harvest were 5.28 and 5.42 g m⁻² day⁻¹. Chlorophyll readings at 90 DAS were 48.14 and 50.07, respectively, indicating improved photosynthetic potential and canopy development. The integrated supply of macronutrients, zinc and sulphur, together with biodigester and Kappaphycus seaweed sap, enhanced vegetative growth, biomass accumulation, leaf development and chlorophyll retention in chickpea. These findings indicate that integrated nutrient and biostimulant application improved growth and physiological performance of chickpea under the conditions of central Madhya Pradesh.