Growth and nodulation of autumn sown chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as affected by additional nitrogen: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Horticultural Science (Honours) at Lincoln University

Abstract

Two glasshouse experiments and a field experiment were carried out to examine the growth and nodulation response of inoculated Kabuli and Desi chickpea to application of nitrogen. In the glasshouse experiments, a range of nitrogen levels were applied (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, 50 and 100 mol N m⁻³). Leaf area and shoot dry matter production for both chickpea types, and nodule dry weight for Kabuli chickpea were measured. In the field experiment, autumn sown Kabuli and Desi chickpea shoot and nodule dry matter were measured to determine the response of chickpea to application of 100 kg N ha⁻¹. Application of nitrogen increased leaf area and shoot dry weight in the first glasshouse experiment by 36 and 42% respectively but had little effect in the second. Nodule dry weight of Kabuli chickpea decreased with increased application of nitrogen in both experiments by 42 % and 45 % respectively. In the field, application of nitrogen had little effect on shoot or nodule dry weight. It was concluded that autumn sown chickpea are able to survive a Canterbury winter, but survival of Rhizobium bacterium may be poor. Application of nitrogen may increase shoot growth in the longer term but has little effect initially. Nodule dry weight decreases with increased applied nitrogen. If nitrogen fertilizer is to be applied, spring and summer application is recommended.