COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE DEPARTEMENT OF

PLANT SCIENCE

EFFECT OF PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER RATE ON GROWTH AND

YIELD COMPONENT OF CHICKPEA (cicer arietinum) UNDER
IRRIGATION IN THE CASE OF ARBAMINCH ZURIA WOREDA

NAME ID NO

LIELT BERIHE NSR/2792/13

MELAT TUFA NSR/1608/13

IYOB CHANIE NSR/1345/12

YONAS MULUSEW NSR/2574/13

ADVISOR: MR MENGSTU TUMARYO (MSc)

SENIOR RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO DEPARTEMENT

OF PLANT SCIENCE, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE
REQUIERMENT OF BACHELOR DEGREE

MARCH, 2024

ARBAMINCH, ETHIOPIA
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This research proposal was brought to completion with generous advice and support of my
advisor Mr MENGSTU TUMARYO (Msc) A. I would like to say thanks you for your
nearest and constructive comments throughout the research proposal. And also again I would
like to give my deepest appreciation for the College of Agriculture to assign such support to
research proposal and service in Arbaminch University like Computer center, Library and
Internet used to search information and writing the research proposal.

Table of Contents
i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT i
ABBREVIATIONS iii
ABSTRACT iv
1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1. Back ground of the study............................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the problem.............................................................................................................2
1.3 Objective.....................................................................................................................................3
1.3.1 General objective..................................................................................................................3
1.3.2 Specific Objectives...............................................................................................................3
1.4 hypotheses...................................................................................................................................3
1.5 Significance of the study.............................................................................................................3
1.6 Scope of the study.......................................................................................................................4
2. LITERATURE REVIEW 5
2.1 Origin and geographic distribution of chickpea...........................................................................5
2.2 Taxonomic classification of chickpea..........................................................................................5
2.3. Biology and growth habit of chickpea........................................................................................6
2.4. Growth requirements for chickpea production...........................................................................7
2.5. Role of phosphorus on crop production......................................................................................7
2.6. Review on the effect of phosphorus fertilizer on chickpea yield and yield component..............8
3. MATERIAL AND METHODS 9
3.1 Description of Study Area...........................................................................................................9
3.3 Experimental Design, treatment and procedure.......................................................................11
3.3 Data to be collected...................................................................................................................13
3.3.2 GROWTH PARAMETER..................................................................................................13
3.3.3YIELD AND YIELD COMPONET....................................................................................13
3.4 Data analysis.............................................................................................................................14
4. Work Plan 14
4.1 Time Budget..............................................................................................................................15
4.2 Budget Plan...............................................................................................................................16
7. REFERENCES 17

ii
ABBREVIATIONS
ANOVA Analysis of Variance

CV coefficient of variance

FAO Food Agricultural Organization

LSD Least Significance Difference

RCBD Randomized Complete block design

SAS Statistical Analysis System

SAT Semiarid Tropics

UK United Kingdom

USA United States of America

iii
ABSTRACT

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop in rain fed areas in the world. It is
the third largest produced food legume globally, after common bean and field pea.
Production of chickpea had negatively affected by various environmental factors including
low soil fertility being one of the most serious problem throughout chickpea growing places
at Arbaminch Zuria Woreda. However, determination of the optimum rate of phosphorus
and its impact on yield and yield related traits on a given locality was not assessed. So, this
study will find the optimum rate of phosphorus in order to increase of growth and yield
component of chickpea. This study investigates the impact of varying phosphorus fertilizer
rates on the growth and yield components of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) under irrigation
conditions in Arbaminch Zuria Woreda, Ethiopia. Chickpea is an essential legume crop in
Ethiopia, providing valuable nutrition and income for farmers. However, its production is
constrained by various factors, including soil nutrient deficiencies. Phosphorus is a crucial
nutrient for plant growth and development, particularly in legumes, affecting root
development, flowering, and seed formation. Understanding the optimal phosphorus fertilizer
rate for chickpea cultivation can enhance crop productivity and contribute to food security in
the region. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the appropriate phosphorus
fertilizer application rates to maximize chickpea growth and yield components under
irrigated conditions. The research will involve field experiments where different phosphorus
fertilizer rates will be applied, and various growth and yield parameters will be assessed.
Data collected will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to determine the effects
of phosphorus fertilizer rates on chickpea growth and yield components. The findings of this
study are expected to contribute to improved agronomic practices for chickpea cultivation in
similar agro ecological zones, ultimately enhancing food production and livelihoods for
farmers in Ethiopia

Key Words: Phosphorus rates, growth, yield component.

iv
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Back ground of the study

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop in rain fed areas of Pakistan. The
genus Cicer L. (Leguminosae, Cicereae) comprises 9 annual and 35 perennial species that
have a centre of diversity in south western Asia, with remote, endemic species found in
Morocco and the Canary Islands. Chickpea is grown under wide agro climatic conditions
around the world. It is grown between 20◦N and 40◦N in the northern hemisphere and is also
cultivated on a small scale between 10◦N and 20◦N in India and Ethiopia at relatively higher
elevations (Berger et al., 2006). Chickpea is a self-pollinated, diploid (2n = 16), annual grain
legume crop (Bharadwaj et al., 2010). And cross-pollination is a rare event; only 0-1% is
reported with a small genome (Aggarwal et al., 2013). Pollination is completed in the flower
bud stage, before bees visit open flowers in the field. Usually only one seed per pod is set
(Vander Maesen et al 2007).

Chickpea production is exposed to different a biotic and biotic constrains which reduces seed
yields. The major biotic stresses which lead to yield reduction and instability are those
caused by fungal, bacterial and viral diseases, insect pests, parasitic nematodes (Ranalli and
Cubero, 2004) and parasitic weeds of chickpea. The chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is an edible
legume of the family Leguminous; high in protein and one of the earliest cultivated
vegetables (Zohary and Maria, 2000).Adequate nutrition via food is necessity of human life.
Desi chickpea have a very low ‘glycemic index’making them a healthy food source for
people with diabetes. Seeds are mainly used for the treatment of bronchitis, leprosy, skin
diseases, blood disorders and biliousness (Muehlbauer et al;2005).Due to their good balance
of amino acid, high protein bioavailability and relatively low levels of anti-nutritional factors,
chickpea seed have been considered a suitable source of dietary proteins. Ranging among
varieties, the seeds contain approximately 12.4-31.5 % crude protein, 3.8-10.2 % fat, 52.4-
70.9 % total carbohydrate and 1.7-10.1 % crude fiber. True digestibility, biological value and
net protein utilization of chickpea seed ranges from 85-89 %, 83-85 % and 92-97 %
respectively. Nutritionally, Kabuli chickpeas are very slightly higher in protein content and

1
fat, however, desi chickpeas provide more than three times the dietary fiber. Legume seeds
contain large number of compounds that are qualified as phytochemicals with significant
potential benefits to human health (asanticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic or hypoglycemic
agents) (Muzquiz et al., 2007). The fertility benefits are derived from the N-rich legume
residues remaining after grain harvest and from the higher levels of nitrate that are often
found in the root-zone of legume crops at the end of growth. The origin of this nitrate is
contentious. Soil in which nodulated legumes are growing often contains more nitrate
nitrogen (N) than soil in which unnodulated legumes or non-legumes are growing (Turpin et
al., 2002). N2-fixing legumes use less soil nitrate than an adjacent non-N2-fixing crop,
resulting in nitrate conservation. According to CSA (2016) chickpea production area
coverage in Ethiopia 258,486.29ha and production of chickpea is 18.28qt. ARBAMINCH
zuria woreda the area coverage of chickpea is 35,869.79ha and the production is 21.11qt.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Production of chickpea had negatively affected by various environmental factors including
low soil fertility being one of the most serious problems throughout chickpea growing places
at arba minch. A number of factors, including genetic and environmental ones are
responsible for this low yield and imbalanced fertilizer was the key among them. Phosphorus
(P) and sulphur (S) are major nutrient elements for grain legumes. In many soil types, P is the
most limiting nutrient for the production of crops (Jiang et al., 2006).The actual reason for
this low yield of chickpea in region as well as world indicate poor soil fertility, water,
logging, frost, soil acidity and successive chickpea cultivation on the same piece of land
(Limited crop rotation), disease and insects and weed competition. In addition to this, Lack
of improved agronomic practice for chickpea production such as, appropriate rates of
phosphorous fertilizer application which was caused due to limited number of researches
conducted on chickpea production contributed to low yield of chickpea in the region as well
as world. Therefore, these will limit the production of chickpea. So we need to conduct
research to solve the problem of phosphorus fertilizer rate around Arbaminch zuria woreda
under irrigation.

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1.3 Objective

1.3.1 General objective

 To evaluate the response of Chickpea at different level of phosphors’ fertilizer rates.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

 Determine effects of phosphors’ fertilizer application rates on yield and yield

component of chickpea under irrigation.
 To determine the optimum rate of phosphorus fertilizer for increasing grain yield of
chickpea under irrigation.

1.4 hypotheses
 Null hypothesis (HO): there is no difference between different levels of phosphors
fertilizer on growth and yield component of chickpea.
 Alternative hypothesis (H1): there is difference between different levels of phosphors
fertilizer on growth and yield component of chickpea.

1.5 Significance of the study

The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute valuable insights to agricultural
practices in Arbaminch Zuria Woreda, Ethiopia. By investigating the effect of phosphorus
fertilizer rates on the growth and yield components of chickpea under irrigation, this study
aims to: The findings of this study can serve as a basis for developing informed agricultural
policies and extension programs tailored to the specific needs of farmers in Arbaminch Zuria
Woreda and surrounding areas. The research outcomes may stimulate further investigations
into crop management strategies, fostering innovation and advancements in agricultural
science and technology. Understanding the optimal phosphorus fertilizer rates can lead to
improved chickpea yields, thereby increasing food security and economic stability for
farmers in the region. Identifying the appropriate phosphorus fertilizer application rates can
help optimize resource utilization, minimizing environmental impact and promoting
sustainable agricultural practices.

3
Overall, the significance of this study lies in its potential to address critical challenges facing
agricultural productivity and sustainability in the region, ultimately benefiting farmers,
policymakers, and researchers alike.

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of this study encompasses a focused investigation into the effects of varying
phosphorus fertilizer rates on the growth and yield components of chickpea (Cicer arietinum)
under irrigation conditions specifically in Arbaminch Zuria Woreda, Ethiopia. Key aspects of
the study's scope include:

 Experimental Design: The study will employ a carefully designed experimental setup to
assess the impact of different phosphorus fertilizer rates on chickpea growth and yield
components, considering factors such as soil type, irrigation practices, and prevailing
climatic conditions in the study area.

 Data Collection: Various growth parameters and yield components of chickpea plants
will be monitored and recorded throughout the growth stages, including plant height, leaf
area, biomass accumulation, flowering, pod formation, and yield.

 Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates: The study will explore a range of phosphorus fertilizer
application rates to determine their effects on chickpea growth and yield. These rates may
include varying concentrations or application timings based on established agricultural
practices and research protocols.

 Geographic Focus: The research will specifically target Arbaminch Zuria Woreda,
Ethiopia, considering the unique agro-ecological characteristics and farming practices
prevalent in this region. Results will be applicable primarily to similar geographic areas
with comparable soil types, climate, and cropping systems.

 Duration: The study will be conducted over a defined period, taking into account the
seasonal variations and growth cycle of chickpea crops in the study area.

4
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Origin and geographic distribution of chickpea

Chickpea (CicerarietinumL.) is the third largest produced food legume globally, after
common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and field pea (Pisum sativum L.) (Gaur et al.,2010).It
is cultivated mostly in the Mediterranean basin, the Near East, Central and South Asia, East
Africa, South America, North America and, more recently, in Australia (Rubio et al., 2004).It
accounts for 12% of the world’s pulse crop production. The Asian region contributes 70% to
the total world’s chickpea production. These chickpea types are grown throughout the world
with different names, Chickpea (UK), Garbanzo (Latin America), Bengal gram (India),
Hommes, Hamaz (Arab world), Shimbra/Shumbura (Ethiopia) and Nohud and Loblebi (Gul
et al., 2013). Based on differences in seed types, the cultivated chickpeas are distinguished as
desi and kabuli types. After its domestication in the Middle East, the crop spread throughout
the Middle East, the Mediterranean region, India and Ethiopia. Chickpea cultivation is
expanding where it has been recently introduced, e.g. in Australia, New Zealand, the United
States and Canada. In tropical Africa, it is mainly cultivated in East Africa (Sudan, Eritrea,
Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania) and in Malawi; where it is grown particularly in areas with a
marked cool season (Geletu Bejiga et al., 2006).In Ethiopia, archaeological evidence from
Lalibela caves dated seed samples as over 2500 years of age (Mitiku Demissie, 2011).

2.2 Taxonomic classification of chickpea

The genus Cicer L. (Leguminosae, Cicereae) comprises 9 annual and 35 perennial species
that have a centre of diversity in south-western Asia, with remote, endemic species found in
Morocco and the Canary Islands.The genus is the member of the monogeneric tribe Cicereae
Alef., subfamily Papilionoideae, family Leguminosae. It was historically included in the
legume tribe Vicieae Alef (Van der Maesen et al., 2007). Of the 9 annual species, chickpea
(Cicer arietinum L.) is the only cultivated species. The eight other annual species of chickpea
are wild and include: Cicer reticulatum, Cicer echinospermum, Cicer pinnatifidum, Cicer
5
judaicum, Cicer bijugum, Cicer cuneatum, Cicer chorassanicum and Cicer yamashitae
(Singh et al., 2008). three varieties: var. vulgare, var. rytidospermum and var. macrocarpum
are distinguished within Cicer arietinum. They are small plants, with few branches, arching
at the top; seed shape angular (ram's head), sometimes globular (pea-shape) or rounded
(owl’s head), mainly dark colored; flowers pinkish-red, rarely white; anthocyanin present and
within the proles’ abyssinicum, found eight varieties: Abyssinico-albescens, Abyssinicum
roseum, Abyssinicum fulvum, Abyssinicum brunneum, Abyssinicum nigrum, Abyssinicum
nigritum, Abyssinicum lutescens, Abyssinicum rubidium.The desi types have small darker
multicolored seeds with a rough seed coat while the kabuli types have larger beige to white
colored seeds with smoother seed coat. Existence of a pea-shaped third type characterized by
medium to small seed size and creamy color has also been recognized which may be the
result of intercrossing between desi and kabuli types that has resulted in a sort of
intermediate group types (Gemechu Keneni et al., 2012).

2.3. Biology and growth habit of chickpea

Chickpea is a self-pollinated, diploid (2n = 16), annual grain legume crop (Bharadwaj et al.,
2010), though 14 has been reported for some landraces, the species Cicer songaricum and for
some accessions of Cicer anatolicum cross-pollination is a rare event; only 0-1% is reported
with a small genome (Aggarwal et al., 2013).Pollination is completed in the flower bud
stage, before bees visit open flowers in the field. Usually only one seed per pod is set (Van
der Maesen et al., 2007). Under water-limiting conditions, the morphology of crop root
systems is a crucial determinant for the capacity for nutrient uptake and water extraction by
crop plants (Fageria, 2004), influencing aboveground growth and biomass yield. Roots with a
longer length or more tips increase the nutrient supply to the plant to a greater extent than
those with shorter roots or fewer root hairs. Several key attributes of chickpea roots, such as
their high water absorption efficiency per unit root length density, their ability to change the
rooting pattern across soil depths to efficiently access the available soil moisture and their
ability to produce a larger root surface area per unit root biomass, seem to make chickpea the
best choice for dry land cropping systems compared with other legumes or cereals (Tilahun
et al; 2003).

6
2.4. Growth requirements for chickpea production

Chickpea is grown under wide agro climatic conditions around the world. In the Southern
hemisphere, where chickpea is relatively recent introduction, it is grown between 27◦S and
38◦S (Imtiaz et al., 2011). Growing regions of chickpea can be broadly divided into two,
non-tropical dry areas and semiarid tropics (SAT) (Imtiaz et al., 2011). Widely grown in
different agro-ecological zones falling between 1400 to 2300m above sea level where the
mean annual rainfall ranges from 700 to 2000mm.Chickpea is grown usually as a rain-fed
cool-weather crop or as a dry climate crop in semi-arid regions, with relative humidity of 21
to 41% as optimum for seed setting. The time available for Chickpea crops to produce
adequate vegetative structures and then grain yield is often limited by hot or cold
temperatures, rainfall distribution, or competition for use of land by other crops in rotation
(Roberts et al., 2006). The plant requires fertile soil with good drainage system. Any
waterlogged conditions can severely damage the crop. Chickpeas generally grow on heavy
black or red soils and require a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. They prefer soil with good residual soil
moisture content. Inoculating chickpeas with rhizobium, when planting first time in virgin
sandy soils or in heavier soils can increase yield by 10-62%. In Ethiopia, chickpea is best
adapted to the areas having Vertisols. Globally, chickpea is adapted to black soils in the cool
semi-arid areas of the tropics, sub-tropics as well as the temperate areas (Menale Kassie et
al., 2009).

2.5. Role of phosphorus on crop production

Phosphorus is primary role in many of the physiologica.l processes such as the utilization of
sugar and starch, photosynthesis, energy storage and transfer. Legumes generally have higher
P requirement because the process of symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation consumes a lot of
energy (Schulze et al.,2006).Phosphorus stimulates early root development, leaf size,
flowering, grain yield, hastens maturity and is essential for cell division, seed and fruit
development. Phosphorus is the most difficult element to manage. The use efficiency of
phosphorus is only 8–20 per cent. Phosphorus is present as mineral deposits; therefore, world
resources of P are limited and should be used efficiently in order to conserve the resource
base while sustaining agricultural productivity. Soil microorganisms play an important role in
the soil environment. Fertilizer applications to soil can change the soil microbial community
7
directly or indirectly since they alter the soil physical, chemical and biological properties
(Beauregard et al., 2010).
2.6. Review on the effect of phosphorus fertilizer on chickpea yield and yield
component
Phosphorus is essential for the general health and vigorous all in plant some specific factor
that have been associated to phosphorus are root development increasing stack and more
stem strength ,improve flower formation and seed production more uniform and earlier crop
maturity increase nitrogen fixing capacity of legumes ,improve in crop quality and resistant
to plant disease. Application of phosphorus increased the availability of nitrogen and
potassium (Saeed et al., 2005).This resulted in better plant growth and more number of
branches per plant. (Jain et al., 2003) also reported that number of branches per plant in
chickpea increased with phosphorus application. The plants grow as tall as 102.4 cm with
phosphorus application of 75 kg P2O5 ha-1 and as short as 86.1 cm against no phosphorus
application. Increasing the P level from 50 to 75 kg P2O5 ha -1 increased the plant height by
8.7% (94.1 to 102.4 cm). Plant height, with respect to cultivar differences and the interactive
effects of cultivars and phosphate fertilizer was although non-significant with no difference
in cultivars. In a vertisol of Australia, chickpea grain yield by 25% were increased in 10 kg P
ha-1 fertilization application (Lester et al., 2008).Plant nutrients are essential components for
improving the quality and quantity of plant products. Non-availability of nutrients is a major
constraint of crop productivity. Imbalanced use of plant nutrients markedly affects the crop
yield (Ali et al, 2008).Low availability of mineral nutrients in agricultural soils is a
significant cause of yield losses in chickpea. Availability of soil P is critical for growth and
development of chickpea, and a poor P availability limits its productivity. Phosphorus
deficiency is a critical nutrient-deficiency problem in the Indian soils and cause up to 29-45%
yield losses in chickpea (Ahlawat et al., 2007) the results showed that as compared to other P
treatments 60kg P2O5 ha-1 significantly improved agronomic traits. Maximum plant height
(94.7 cm), number of pods plant-1 (81.9), thousand grain weight (241.5 g), number of nodules
plant-1(87), above ground biomass yield (7793 kg ha-1), straw yield (3475 kg ha-1) and grain
yield (1993 kg ha-1) were recorded for 60 kg P2O5 ha-1.

8
Effect of different phosphorus levels on the plant height of chickpea Plant height (cm), as
affected by various levels p2O5.Maximum plant height (39.25cm) was recorded from those
plots that had received 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 while minimum plant height (32.5) was observed in
control plots. The maximum numbers of pod per plant (49) were recorded in fertilizer at
optimum application (60 kg P2O5 ha-1) and minimum numbers of per plant (30.75) were
recorded in control treatment. The application of phosphorus fertilizer had significantly
affected all of the parameters; plant height, number of branches per plant and number of pods
per plant. The application of 60kg P2O5 had result better performance in all of the
parameters. That addition of p2o5 at 60 kg ha-1 doubled the number of pods per plant.
Effects of different phosphorus levels on number of branch per plant. The number of
branches per plant was significantly affected by various phosphorus levels. The application
of P2O5 at 60kg ha-1 produced significantly higher number of branches per plant (9.37) than
the control. All other fertilizer levels varied significantly among themselves for number of
branches per plant. The minimum number of branch per plant (6.75) was recorded in control
plots. Grain yield was increased to 16 and 12% with the application of 30 and 40 kg
phosphorus ha-1, respectively, when compared with control dose.

3. MATERIAL AND METHODS

3.1 Description of Study Area

LOCATION: Arba Minch Zuria woreda is one of the in South Ethiopia Regional State of
Ethiopia. A part of the Gamo Gofa Zone located in the Great R ift Valley, Arba Minch Zuria
is bordered on the south by the Dirashe special Woreda, on the west by Bonke, on the north
by Dita and Chencha, on the northeast by Mirab Abaya, on the east by the Oromia Region,
and on the southeast by the Amaro Special Woreda. This word also includes portions of two
lakes and their islands, Abaya and Chamo. Nechisar National Park is located between these
lakes. City of Arba Minch is surrounded by Arba Minch Zuria.Arba minch is found in
northen part of the SNNPR at a distance 500km from Addis Ababa,and 280 km Hawassa.

9
CLIMATE: the climate of the Arba Minch Zurea woreda ranges from tropical to alpine due
to its great difference in altitude and topographical elevation. Rainfall pattern is bimodal,
erratic and unreliable, with the mean annual precipitation ranging from 750 mm – 1300 mm
depending on altitude and moisture bearing seasonal air current. ‘belg’ (long rainy season)
and ‘meher’ (short rainy season) are the two rainfall seasons. The main rains are from April
to May, while the small rains are from September to October. The temperature of the area
depends on the agro-ecological location. According to (Defaru Debebe. et al, 2018), the
rainfall trends of Arba Minch zuria woreda were shown the same trend over time. However,
there are diverse ranges of factors that limit the smallholders’ agricultural production in Arba
Minch zuria woreda: amongst these most agricultural production problems in the area are
rainfall variability-amount and distribution which cause drought/moisture stress, delayed
planting date and end season drought; extreme weather phenomena, dry spells and heavy
rains– causing flooding, water logging and siltation of sediments in lower watercourses; low
level of technology adoption; declining soil fertility, etc
The information of climatic data indicate that the temperature is shown decreasing trend in
the Meher season (June, July and August). The average minimum and maximum temperature
of the Arba Minch zuria woreda were ranging from 17.30c – 30.6 0c. (Defaru Debebe. Et al,
2018). Soil type of arba minch area alluvial soil
DEMOGRAPHY: The population projection made by Buffed using the 2007 Population and
housing census of Ethiopia hints that, the total population of the Woreda in the year 2014/15
is 205205 persons. The number of male and female population was 102521(58.7 percent) and
102684 (41.3percent), respectively. The crude population density of the woreda is 212
persons per square km. The five largest ethnic groups reported in Arba Minch Zuria were the
Gamo (69.53%), the Amara (7.94%), the Wolayta (6.75%), the Zayse (6.02%), and the
Oromo (3.64%); all other ethnic groups made up 2.28% of the population.

3.2 Experimental Materials

Chickpea seed will be use different phosphorus fertilizer level. Both Chickpea seed and DAP will
obtained from Arba Minch University College of agricultural science and common agricultural tools.

10
3.3 Experimental Design, treatment and procedure
The experiment will be conduct in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three
replication and using six different rates of phosphorus fertilizers rates of treatment. The total
experimental area will 9.7m x 8m =77.6m2and the total experimental area of 21 plots and
each plot have an area of 2m x 1.2m=2.4m 2.The distance between plots and block were 0.5m
and 1m respectively. The treatments will be designate as 0, 50, 100,150, 200, 250kg TSP/ha.
All other agronomic management practices apply equally to all treatments. At the time of
sowing, pre-sowing irrigation will apply to maintain the adequate moisture in the soil. The
field will prepare with three ploughings, once with disc harrow and then with tractor drawn
cultivator followed by planking, to crush the clods as well as to eradicate weeds. The rates of
9.4 kg N ha-1 of urea will applied to all the plots. Phosphurs fertilizer will apply manually
band placement at the time of sowing. Arerty variety will sow on 27 March; 2018.The
sowing will carry out at 40 cm row spacing and the distance between plants 10cm. During
the crop period, 6 day irrigations interval will apply according to the need of the crop and
use of irrigation method is furrow irrigation

The experiment was laid out in randomized completely block design (RCBD) with
replication at four nitrogen level of (0, 60, 120 and 180kg/ha and chick pea variety.There
were four treatments. The recommended rate of nitrogen fertilizer (UREA) for chick pea is
120-150kg/ha. The size of total plot is 11 x 6.5 m (71.5 m2).A distance of one meter was
maintained between replication and 0.5m between plots. There were 18 plots for our
experiments and the size of each plot were 1.25 m times 3m area =3.75m2.A distance of
0.75m and 0.25m were maintained between row and plant respectively. Each plot has four
rows and each row contain seven plants. There are twenty (20) plants per each plot.

11
 9.7m

T6

1m
8m
0.5m

Figure 5: Field lay out . total experimental area will be 77.6m2

12
3.3 Data to be collected
Data will collect from five randomly selected plants from the central row excluding, the border
rows. The parameters that will consider during data collection were:

3.3.1 Phonological parameter

Days to 50% emergence: The number of seedlings emerged 50% from the total number of seeds
sown in plot in each treatment will count.

Days to 50% flowering: determined by counting the number of days from sowing to flowering
to the time when 50% of started to emerge the tip of plants through visual observation.

3.3.2 GROWTH PARAMETER

Plant height after 25 days (cm): the average height of five randomly taken plants measured
from the ground to the top part of plant at 25 days after sowing.

Number of branch per plant: the number of primary braches plant-1 will count at growing
stage of the crop in tagged plants in each treatment.

Plant height after 60 days (cm): the average height of five randomly taken plants measured
from the ground to the top part of plant at 60 days after sowing.

Number of leaf: it will be record on the main stem as well as on the branch starting from 3
weeks after emergence and continued for four weeks

Fresh Weight: this well be record from five plant per plot (two central row ) resulting total yield
per net plot

3.3.3YIELD AND YIELD COMPONET

chickpea production.

Number of Seeds per Pod: The number of seeds per pod is another important factor that
contributes to the overall seed yield of chickpeas.

13
Seed Yield: Seed yield is the ultimate measure of productivity in chickpea production.

Thousand Seed Weight: Thousand seed weight is a critical parameter that influences the quality
and quantity of chickpea production.

Thousand Seed Weight (TSW) = WEIGHT/SEED *1000

3.4 Data analysis

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) will do to evaluate the performance of agronomic and yield
related parameters among different phosphorus fertilizer rate following standard procedure given
by Gomez, Gomez software. Mean separation was done using LSD at 5% probability level if
there is significant difference among the level of phosphorus fertilizer rate.

14
4. Work Plan
4.1 Time Budget
The work plan of this research proposal is listed in the table below

Table1 the work plan of the research proposal

Activities MARCH MAY APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST

Title 
Selection

Proposal  
writing
Presentation 

Data  
collection and
analysis
Research 
writing
Research 
submission
Research 
defense

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4.2 Budget Plan

The budget requirement of the study area is listed below.

Logistics

Supplies expense
Table 2: supplies expense
No- Item Units Quantity Price per unit Total budget
1 Paper Packet 3 350 350
2 Pens No 5 20 100
3 Pencil No 2 25 20
4 Markers No 2 20 20
5 Ruler No 3 20 20
6 EX, Book No 4 100 100
7 Flesh disk=8GB No 1 500 500

8 Total 1100

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7. REFERENCES

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Ali, S.; Khan, A.Z.; Mairaj, G.; Arif, M.; Fida, M. and Bibi, S. (2008).Assessment of di fferen t
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CSA (2016). Agricultural sample survey report on area and production of crops in private
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phosphorus and nitrogen. Crop Res. 25(3):401-413 [Field Crops Absts. 23(2):2004].

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