Population and sowing depth effects on yield components of grain legumes

Abstract

Desi chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), lentils (Lens culinaris), narrow leafed lupins (Lupinus angustifolius) and field peas (Pisum sativum) were sown at three plant populations (10, 100 and 400 plants/m²) and three depths (2, 5 and 10 cm) at Lincoln University during 1999/2000. Lupins produced the most total dry matter (TDM) (972 g/m²) and lentils the least (468 g/m²). As there was relatively little variation in harvest index (HI) (0.54, lupin; 0.61, lentil), seed production followed a similar trend to TDM and ranged from 293 g/m² in lentil to 527 g/m² in lupin. There were a number of significant interactions. Pods/plant was the most variable yield component. It fell rapidly as plant population increased.