Effects of Mulch and Sowing Depth on Yield and Yield Components of Rain-Fed Chickpea (Cicer arietinum .L)

In order to study the effect of mulch on moisture maintaining in chickpea (var. ILC482) cultivation, a split plot experiment was conducted based on completely randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots were sowing depth (4, 8 and 12 cm) and sub-plots were six moisture maintaining and supplying methods (including control= without mulch, corn stubble mulch, wheat stubble mulch, manure mulch, soil mulch and supplementary irrigation (ideal condition) in podding stage). The results showed that there was a significant difference among mulch treatments about their effects on plant height, total biomass, grain yield, number of grain per plant and 100- grains weight. In different sowing depth, significant differences in total biomass, grain yield, number of grain per plant, harvest index and 100- grains weight were depicted. Harvest index and number of grain per plant exhibited highly significant differences in response to soil moisture maintaining treatments and Interaction between mulch × sowing depth. Sowing depth of 12 cm allocated the least 100- grains weight but total biomass, grain yield and number of grain per plant were the highest. Sowing depth of 12 cm allocated the least 100- grains weight, but total biomass, grain yield and number of grain per plant were the highest and sowing depths of 4 and 8 cm allocated the highest value. Mulch treatments had total biomass, grain yield and harvest index more than control.