Effect of Phosphorus and Sulphur on Concentration and Uptake of Micronutrients in Chickpea

Field experiments were conducted for two years (1981–82 and 1982–83) with chickpea (Cicer arietinwn L.) as a test crop on alluvial soil with four doses of phosphorus (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P2O5 ha−1) and sulphur (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg S ha−1). Application of Pup to 60 kg ha−1 significantly increased the yield as well as Mn and Fe contents and their uptake in grain and straw, but decreased with further addition of p. i.e. 90kg P2O5 ha−1. Content of Zn and Cu decreased linearly with increasing levels of P. However, uptake of Zn and Cu by grain and straw increased up to 60kg P2O5 ha−1 and with further increase in the level of P, there was an appreciable reduction. Application of S (0 to 120 kg ha−1) progressively increased the content and uptake of Mn in grain and straw whereas maximum crop yield as well as contents and uptake of Cu. Zn and Fe in grain and straw were observed at 80 kg applied S ha−1 and thereafter at 120kg S ha−1 they decreased.