RESPONSE OF CHICKPEA AND ITS WEEDS TO TILLAGE SYSTEMS USING VARYING SEED RATES AND PHOSPHORUS LEVELS

to tillage systems (Conventional and zero) using varying seed rates (40, 80, 120 kg ha-1) and phosphorous levels (0, 80,120 Kg ha-1) was investigated at Agriculture Research Farm, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan during rabi season 2002-2003. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement with four replications was used for the experiment. Plots seeded (S) at the rate of 80 kg ha-1 were at par with 120 kg ha-1 for plant height (73 cm) and number of nodules plant-1 (71). Phosphorous (P) applied at the rate of 80 Kg ha-1 hadsignificantly higher number of nodules plant-1 (83) and dry weight of nodules plant -1 (419 mg). Statistical analysis of the data revealed that tillage system, seed rates, phosphorous levels and the interaction between seed rate and phosphorous levels (SxP) had a significant effect on weed biomass m-2. The higher weed biomass of 212 g m-2 as compared to conventional tillage was recorded for zero tillage system. The maximum weed biomass of 222 g m-2 was recorded in plots seeded @ 40 kg ha-1 while minimum value of 156 g m-2 was recorded in plots planted @ 120 kg ha-1. Similarly Minimum biomass of weeds (181 g m-2) was recorded in plots without P, while maximum biomass of 199 g m-2 was recorded in plots receiving 120 kg P ha-1. It is deciphered from the data that the conventional tillage had lower weeds biomass than the zero tillage system. For the effect of seed rate it was noticed that weeds biomass decreased with increase in number of plants per unit area as seed rates of120 kg ha-1 had minimum weeds biomass (156 g) as compared to the other two seed rates. Thus, conventional tillage under higher seed rates is recommended for weed suppression and increased chickpea production in the area.