Performance of chickpea under different planting method, seed rate and irrigation level in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

A field study was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur during Rabi 2009–10 and 2010–11 to elucidate the effect of planting system, seed rate and irrigation level on growth, yield, water use efficiency and economics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The study revealed that nodules number (69%), nodule fresh weight (36.6%), nodule dry weight (31.8%), shoot dry weight (16%) and root dry weight (17.6%) increased significantly following furrow irrigated raised bed (FIRB) planting. Moreover, significant increments in growth and yield attributes such as branches/plant (49%), pods/plant (19.3%) and seed yield (20.1%) were also recorded under 75 cm raised beds. As a result, highest net return (INR 24 057/ha) and B: C ratio (1.98) were recorded in 75 cm raised beds. Raised bed also improved relative leaf water content and water use efficiency as saving of irrigation water up to 33.3% was recorded under raised bed over that in flat. Higher net return (INR 20 597/ha) and B:C ratio (1.87) were also recorded in 75% seed rate although nodulation, yield attributes and seed yield recorded under different seed rates and irrigation levels were similar. The study revealed that chickpea planted in 75 cm raised bed with 75% seed rate under NEPZ could perform better so far as its productivity and profitability were concerned.