Introduction to Major Field Crops

Sowing

Time of Sowing
Sowing of chickpea under rainfed conditions is mainly determined by availability of conserved moisture in the seeding zone. In such areas, sowing should be done earlier in the first fortnight of October. In case, adequate moisture is available in the seeding zone, sowing in the second fortnight ensure better crop.

Seed Rate
The seed rate is determined by growth habit of plant and seed size. A seed rate of 50-75 kg/ha has been found sufficient for desi varieties and 75-100 kg/ha for kabuli types.

Seed Treatment
Seeds should be inoculated with Rhizobium and P-solubilizer cultures each @ 375g/ha.

Spacing
A row spacing of 30cm with a plant spacing of 10-12 cm is optimum for sowing of gram under normal conditions.

Method of Sowing
In dry lands, seeds should be placed by traditional plough sole at the depth where soil moisture is adequate for germination. Pora method using country plough or using seed drills is common for sowing of gram at the depth of 10-12 cm from the soil surface in sandy loam and loamy soils. In situations where the soil moisture for germination is not limited, a depth of 5-7 cm seems to be ideal for the emergence of gram.

Fig: Bullock drawn seed drill. Fig: Tractor drawn seed drill.

Fig: Seedling stage. Fig: Vegetative stage.

Fig: Reproductive stage.