Influence of Inter and Intra Row Spacing on Yield and Yield Components of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Jimma Horro District, Western Ethiopia

Improved agronomic practices increases yield potential of chickpea in different agroecology of the country. In this view a field experiment was conducted to assess the influence of inter-and intra row spacing on yield and yield components of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Jimma Horro district of Kellem Wollega Zone, Western Oromia, Ethiopia. The treatment consisted of three inter-row spacing (20, 30 and 40 cm) and four intra-row spacing (5, 10, 15 and 20 cm). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. The highest (52) number of pods plant-1 was obtained with the interaction effect of 40 cm inter and 20 cm intra row spacing. The highest dry biomass (8457 kg ha-1) was recorded at 20 cm × 5 cm spacing while the lowest dry biomass (5413 kg ha-1) was recorded at 40 cm × 20 cm spacing combination. Significantly higher (248 g) 1000 grain weight was recorded under 40 cm with 20 cm spacing and lowest (165 g) 1000 grain weight under 30 cm x 5 cm row spacing. The highest (1625 kg ha-1) seed yield of chickpea was obtained from 30 cm x 15 cm and the lowest seed yield (1096 kg ha-1) was recorded from 20 cm x 5 cm row spacing. The highest harvest index (34.03%) was achieved for the interaction of 40 cm inter- and 20cm intra-row spacing and the lowest harvest index (12.14%) under 20 cm x 5 cm row spacing. Thus 30 cm inter-row with 15 cm intra-row spacing can tentatively be recommended for the production of chickpea in the study area as compared to the current recommendation of 30 x 10 cm. Further research would be needed at more locations and seasons to give conclusive recommendations.