Biological yield of chickpeas depending on the methods of primary soil cultivation

Abstract

Leguminous crops play a key role in global agriculture, providing biological nitrogen fixation and optimizing soil fertility and structure. In crop rotation, they serve as valuable predecessor crops, and in animal husbandry and the food industry, they are a source of high protein raw materials. Among them, chickpeas stand out due to their high profitability and dietary value. Their grain is rich in plant protein, fiber, B group vitamins, and essential microelements (Mg, P, Fe). Chickpea is not only a valuable crop but also a tool for maintaining soil fertility in arid conditions, ensuring a stable income for farms. Therefore, developing an improved chickpea cultivation technology and selecting varieties for the arid conditions of the Northern Caspian region is an urgent problem. The aim of the research was to substantiate effective methods of primary soil tillage and to select adaptive chickpea varieties to achieve high yields. The research objectives included studying the effect of primary soil tillage methods on the crop structure and productivity of chickpea varieties. The set tasks were addressed by conducting field experiments in 2023…2025. The research was carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods in crop production. The yield data were processed using B. A. Dospekhov’s method (1985) and computer programs. The study focused on the chickpea varieties Volgogradsky 10, Volzhanin 50, and Vector. The three year studies conducted show that resource saving methods of primary soil cultivation significantly outperform the standard moldboard plowing with PLN 4 35 in terms of their impact on chickpea yield. The maximum yield of chickpea grain under light chestnut soils in the Astrakhan region (2.22 t/ha) is achieved by combining the sowing of the Volzhanin 50 variety with the use of chiseling as the main soil tillage method, using the “RANCHO” working tool at a depth of 0.35–0.38 m, with the soil layer being turned over to a depth of 0.14–0.15 m. The use of this technological scheme makes it possible to increase grain yield by 46.0 % compared to moldboard plowing at a depth of 0.22–0.25 m.