Effects of Different Organic Fertilizer Compositions (Leonardite and Vermicompost) on Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) Yield and Macro-Micro Nutrient Content

Abstract

Background: Organic fertilizers (leonardite and vermicompost) applied to soil have a positive impact on plant nutrient uptake and productivity. Understanding the effects of different organic fertilizer application rates on the legume chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is crucial aspect of crop production that should not be overlooked. Methods: The research was carried out in a farmer's field in the Artuklu district of Mardin during two growing seasons (2022-2023 and 2023-2024). Vermicompost was used at VC1: 150, VC2: 200, VC3: 250 and VC4: 300 kg da-1, while Leonardite was used at L1: 50, 2: 100, L3: 200 and L4: 400 kg da-1. Examined how various techniques used for chickpea affected its nutrient content and yield. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the significance of year, application and year*application interaction. Result: The analyses indicated that year and application significantly affected most parameters, while the year*application interaction was generally not significant. Nutrient contents in chickpea plants varied as follows: total nitrogen (N) 2.98-3.61%, phosphorus (P) 3010-3833 mg kg-1, potassium (K) 6625-7086 mg kg-1, copper (Cu) 6.13-10.07 mg kg-1, manganese (Mn) 21.8-24.1 mg kg-1, iron (Fe) 51.7-70.1 mg kg-1 and zinc (Zn) 30.9-38.6 mg kg-1. Grain yield ranged from 148.3 to 183.7 kg da-1, with annual means of 156.0 and 170.0 kg da-1, respectively. The lowest yield was observed in the control, whereas the highest yield was achieved with 400 kg da-1 leonardite application.