Effects Of Nitrogen Levels And Plant Populations On Growth And Yield Of Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) Under Dryland Conditions In Kenya

ABSTRACT

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), an annual grain legume is a hardy crop well adapted to semi

arid areas. Information on optimum fertilizer rates and plant population density has not been

developed for the semi arid areas of Kenya. This study conducted in Feb-June 2005 (1st

season) and June-October 2005 (2nd season) at National Animal Husbandry Research Centre

(NAHRC), Naivasha, determined the effect of applying four different nitrogen fertilizer rates

(0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) and four plant population densities (74,074; 89889; 111,111 and

148,148) on growth and yield of chickpea. The general objective was to evaluate the

performance of desi chickpea in the drylands of Kenya under varying levels of nitrogen

(N)and plant population’s (PPD). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete

Block Design (RCBD). Data was subjected to analysis of variance using MSTATC computer

package and means separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test and Least Significant

Difference. Results indicated that increase of nitrogen from 0 to 60 kg/ha significantly

increased secondary leaves/m2, dry matter production at all stages of growth. Interactive

effects of nitrogen and PPD had highest dry matter at highest N and PPD levels during crop

growth and at final harvest. Application of 40kg N/ha produced highest number of pods/m2

(ranging between 1020-1549 pods/m2) and grain yields (1658.7 to 2574.4 kg/ha). Lowest

grain yield (1099.6 kg/ha) was realized where no nitrogen was applied. Nitrogen and PPD

interaction effects on grain yield were significantly higher under the highest PPD (148,148

plants/ha) and 20, 40 and 60 kg N/ha. It’s advisable therefore, to apply 30kgN/ha during

sowing and plant at a high plant population density of 148,148 plants/ha to realize over 3.3

tones/ha of grain yield per season. The same treatments gave net benefit ranging from Ksh 93,000.00 to 139,000.00/ha depending on rainfall and crop management