Influence of Inter and Intra Row Spacing on Yield and Yield Components of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Jimma Horro District, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Improved agronomic practices increases yield potential of chickpea in different agroecology of the country. In this view a field experiment was conducted to assess the influence of inter-and intra row spacing on yield and yield components of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Jimma Horro district of Kellem Wollega Zone, Western Oromia, Ethiopia. The treatment consisted of three inter-row spacing (20, 30 and 40 cm) and four intra-row spacing (5, 10, 15 and 20 cm). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. The highest (52) number of pods plant-1 was obtained with the interaction effect of 40 cm inter and 20 cm intra row spacing. The highest dry biomass (8457 kg ha-1) was recorded at 20 cm × 5 cm spacing while the lowest dry biomass (5413 kg ha-1) was recorded at 40 cm × 20 cm spacing combination. Significantly higher (248 g) 1000 grain weight was recorded under 40 cm with 20 cm spacing and lowest (165 g) 1000 grain weight under 30 cm x 5 cm row spacing. The highest (1625 kg ha-1) seed yield of chickpea was obtained from 30 cm x 15 cm and the lowest seed yield (1096 kg ha-1) was recorded from 20 cm x 5 cm row spacing. The highest harvest index (34.03%) was achieved for the interaction of 40 cm inter- and 20cm intra-row spacing and the lowest harvest index (12.14%) under 20 cm x 5 cm row spacing. Thus 30 cm inter-row with 15 cm intra-row spacing can tentatively be recommended for the production of chickpea in the study area as compared to the current recommendation of 30 x 10 cm. Further research would be needed at more locations and seasons to give conclusive recommendations.

Effect of Seed Rate and Seed Spacings on Yield Attributes of Chickpea

“…Highest number of pods per plant (100.36) showed significant result in 60 kg seed rate per hectare ( (Khan et al 2010). These finding are in accordance with (Aziz et al, 1988;Komatsu et al, 1989 andChala et al, 2020).…”

“…It might be due to the fact that reduced intra row spacing competes at 30 cm, increased inassimilate supply to individual plant basis. The similar results were also quoted by Khan et al (2001) and Chala et al (2020).…”

“…It might be due to inefficient utilization of growth factor in case of wider spacing. The similar study was reported by many authors (Chala et al, 2020;Bhowmick et al, 2013;Bawalgave et al, 2009 andVenkatachalaphathi et al, 2004).…”