Effect of Irrigation on Chickpea Varieties Sown on Different Dates on Irrigated Fields of Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the impact of irrigation on chickpea yield, to select a variety/ varieties best suited for irrigated farming in irrigated region and to standardize the production technology package of irrigated chickpea. The experiment was conducted at ARS Bannu, in Randomized Complete Block Design with split plot arrangement having three replications. Irrigations (No irrigation, pre-sowing irrigation and irrigation at flowering stage) were allotted to the main plots while varieties (Karak-1, Karak-2, Sheenghar and KC-98) and sowing dates (Oct. 1st, Oct. 15, Nov, 1, and Nov, 15) were kept in the sub plots. The sub plot size was 4 m by 1.8 m with row to row distance of 30 cm and plant to plant distance of 10 cm. It was found from the results of the above experiment that planting dates significantly affected grain yield and its components. Grain yield significantly decreased with delay in planting beyond Ist November at Bannu. Irrigation did not influence grain yield of chickpea at Bannu as well. Chickpea cultivar Karak-I produced significantly higher grain yield followed by Karak-II at Bannu. It is therefore recommended that chickpea crop may be planted in the month of October or with a maximum delay till early November at Bannu. Chickpea variety Karak-I is recommend for planting at Bannu for obtaining higher grain yield. It is concluded from the above experiment that planting dates at Bannu significantly affected grain yield and its components and higher grain yield was produced in early planting (1st October) and decline with delay in planting at Bannu. Irrigation did not influence grain yield of chickpea.

Keywords: Irrigation regimes, Chickpea, Varieties, Irrigated fields.