Interactive effects of planting method and zeolite application on yield attributes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in dryland conditions

Abstract

<p>Adopting an appropriate planting method and application of soil amendments such as zeolite in dryland conditions could be highly effective in improving growth and productivity of crop plants. Therefore the response of two chickpea (<em>Cicer arietinum</em> L.) genotypes (Azad and Adel) to two planting methods (flat and furrow patterns) and different rates of zeolite (0, 10 and 20 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) was examined in a field study under dryland conditions. Zeolite application increased plant height, pods number/plant and seed yield, under flat planting pattern, while in furrow pattern, chickpea yield decreased with the application of zeolite. Under no zeolite condition, sowing in furrows improved plant height and pods number compared with flat sowing. Zeolite had no effect on Azad cultivar, but the pods number/plant of Adel was significantly increased by applying 20 t ha<sup>-1</sup> zeolite compared with control. In general, the best result in terms of crop growth and yield was obtained from applying 20 t ha<sup>-1</sup> zeolite in flat planting pattern. Positive response of the plant to zeolite application in flat planting pattern and, on the other hand, the yield reduction resulting from zeolite addition in furrow planting condition suggested that the influence of zeolite on the crop was dependent on planting method.</p>