Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Maragheh, Iran
2
Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO). Maragheh, Iran
Abstract
A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was employed during the 2022–2023 growing season to evaluate the N requirements of rainfed chickpea (cv. Ana) under cold rainfed conditions in Bukan (autumn sowing) and Maragheh (autumn and spring sowing). Treatments included five urea levels: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha⁻¹. Following reduced tillage (using a combination tillage implement), chickpea seeds were sown at 40 seeds m⁻². Autumn sowing occurred in October 2023, and spring sowing in late February 2024, using an ASKE 3-shank 11-row planter with 53–17 cm row spacing. Experimental plots measured 10 × 30 m. Urea was applied via subsurface banding (5–6 cm below seeds) at sowing. Measured parameters included root traits (length, volume, dry weight, nodule weight), plant height, 100-seed weight, biological yield, grain yield, harvest index, and rainwater use efficiency. Environmental effects significantly influenced root length, nodule weight, root volume, dry weight, plant height, biological yield, grain yield, and rainwater use efficiency (p ≤ 0.01), and 100-seed weight (p ≤ 0.05). Nitrogen levels significantly affected all parameters (p ≤ 0.01), except 100-seed weight (p ≤ 0.05). Excessive N fertilization induces salinity, toxicity, and symbiosis inhibition, negating yield gains. Minimal starter N (42 kg ha⁻¹ urea) suffices for spring-sown chickpea, while 60 kg ha⁻¹ urea optimizes economic returns in autumn-sown systems. Precision in N management is critical to balance productivity, sustainability, and environmental stewardship in rainfed chickpea cultivation.
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