1Department of Plant Production, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa.
2Department of Soil Science, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa.
Department of Plant Production, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa.
*Corresponding author's e-mail: macilpatty@gmail.com
Online published on 6 May, 2017.
This study assessed the response of photosynthesis, chlorophyll content (CC), stomatal conductance (SC) and intercepted radiation (IR) of chickpea to biochar (0, 5 10 and 20 t ha−1) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer (0 and 90 kg ha−1) rates in Thohoyandou, South Africa in 2013/2014 summer and winter seasons. Photosynthesis, CC, SC and IR were determined at vegetative and reproductive stages. Biochar increased SC and CC by 22–49% and 57–126%, respectively. P increased CC by up to 9% in the winter sowing. IR increased with P and biochar application in both sowings. Biochar increased plant height only at 70 days after emergence and P increased plant height at all plant growth stages. Biochar and phosphorus did not affect photosynthesis in either season. Therefore the use of biochar and inorganic phosphorus fertilizer may be beneficial in chickpea cropping systems characterised by poor soils and dry winter seasons.
Chlorophyll content, Growth, Intercepted radiation, Stomatal conductance
