A Review on Foliar Nutrition in Chickpea: Implications for Growth, Yield and Nutrient Use Efficiency

Abstract

Pulses play a crucial role in global food and nutritional security because of their high protein content and contribution to sustainable agriculture. Among pulse crops, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most widely cultivated and economically important food legumes in the semi-arid and subtropical regions of the world. It is a major source of dietary protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, particularly for vegetarian populations in developing countries such as India. In addition to its nutritional importance, chickpea contributes to soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation, thereby improving soil health and supporting sustainable cropping systems. Despite its importance, chickpea productivity remains relatively low in many regions because of nutrient deficiencies, moisture stress, poor soil fertility, pest and disease incidence, and inadequate crop-management practices. Efficient nutrient-management strategies are therefore essential for enhancing crop productivity and sustainability. In recent years, foliar nutrition has emerged as an effective supplement to conventional soil fertilisation because it enables rapid nutrient absorption and the correction of deficiencies during critical growth stages. The development of water-soluble fertilisers and speciality nutrient formulations has further improved the efficiency of foliar feeding. Several studies have reported that the foliar application of macro- and micronutrients during key growth stages can improve plant growth, flower retention, pod formation, nutrient uptake and seed yield in chickpea. Integrated nutrient-management approaches that combine soil fertilisation with foliar nutrient application have also shown promise for enhancing productivity and nutrient-use efficiency. This review compiles and critically analyses the available literature on nutrient-management strategies, particularly foliar fertilisation, for improving chickpea growth, yield attributes, nutrient uptake and overall productivity. The findings may inform the development of efficient nutrient-management practices for sustainable chickpea production.