Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol. 28, Nov Suppl Issue 2022; Page No.(S391-S396)

AGRONOMIC PRACTICES ENHANCING THE PRODUCTIVITY OFCHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) – A REVIEW

S. Jaffar Basha, S Balaji Nayak and S. Khayum Ahammed

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is grown in rabi (post-rainy season) following kharif (rainy season) crop orkharif fallow. Late sowing (December-January) should be avoided as the late-sown crop may experiencemoisture stress and high temperatures at the critical stage of pod-filling, leading to reduced yield and seedquality. A pre-sowing irrigation may be needed, if the available soil moisture is not adequate for germination.Kabuli chickpea should never be irrigated immediately after sowing, particularly in deep black soils. Desivarieties are sown at plant geometry of 30 cm x 10 cm whereas wider row spacing (45–60 cm) can be usedin large seeded kabuli chickpea and irrigated crops (both desi and kabuli types). Total quantities of N, Pand K should be given as a basal dose. Foliar spray of 2% urea at flowering has been found beneficial inrainfed crops. Pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin 30% EC @ 0.75 – 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 and one handweeding or interculture operations at 25-30 days after sowing is economical. Two irrigations (30 mm each),one each at branching and pod filling stages, are recommended for higher yield. Machine harvesting ofchickpea will reduce production cost. Tall and non spreading plant varieties are available with suitablemechanization package.