Effect of Plant Derived Humic Substances on the Yield of Chickpea Grown in Greenhouse

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted in experimental area of National Agricultural Research Centre, (NARC),Islamabad to see the effect of plant derived humic substances (PDHS) on chickpea crop grown in 5.50 kg soil container, consisting seven treatments, whereby HS was given either as soil applied (at the rate 0, 15,30,45,60 mg l-1) and as foliar ( 100,150 mg l-1) The experiment was laid out in CRD under greenhouse conditions. Three seeds of chickpea variety Dhasht was sown in each pot which was thinned to one plant. Results show that highest plant height of 45cm was obtained when HS applied at the rate of 30 mg l-1as followed by 44.67cm where HS was applied @ 45mg l-1. The highest number of pods/plant-1 (22) were obtained in HS applied at the rate of 30 mg l-1 followed by 22.00 at the rate of 45 mg l-1. The maximum biomass wt. 14.24 g was received in 15 mg l-1followed by 30 mg l-1 having weight of 14 g. The highest straw weight of 8.78 g was obtained in 30 mg l-1 treatment. The highest seed weight of 5.64g was received in 15 mg l-1The highest pod length of 11.86 mm was obtained in 45 mg l-1, while the highest pod diameter 17.57 mm was obtained in 45 mg l-1. The highest pod weight of 8.27 g was received in 45mg l-1.