The Effect of Phosphorus Doses on Chickpea Cultivars Under Rainfall Conditions

abstract This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different phosphorus doses (0, 15, 30, 40 and 70 kg ha-1) on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars at Diyarbakir, Southeast Anatolia of Turkey over two years at late spring. The effect of phosphorus on plant height and number of branches plant-1 was nonsignificant. Number of branches plant-1 was different response to phosphorus doses, although statistically was not significant. Number of pods and seeds plant-1 were affected by phosphorus treatment. Although 100 seed weight was not affected by phosphorus applications, cultivar x doses interaction was important. Phosphorus doses were significant for yield, but yield apparently did not increase. Start dose, 15 kg phosphorus ha-1, was initially increased the yield, and 30 kg phosphorus ha-1 application slightly was increased. The highest number of pods and seeds at 30 and 70 kg P ha-1, compared only one of these control and 15 kg P ha-1. Grain yield was increased to 16 and 12% with the application of 30 and 40 kg P ha-1, respectively, when compared with control dose. Chickpea cultivars showed low response to P application. Phosphorus fertilization could not be effective due to late sown. Early sown and irrigation supply can be advisable for more effectiveness phosphorus intake in this region.