Evaluation of Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Chickpea as Affected by Biofertilizer, Nitrogen, and Humic Acid in Dryland Condition

In order to evaluate biofertilizer, nitrogen and humic acid effect on quantitative and qualitative traits of chickpea (ILC 482 line) this research was carried out at the Agricultural Research Field of Kurdistan University, Sannadaj, Iran. A factorial experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental treatments included three levels of leaf foliar application of humic acid (control (0), 2, and 4 per thousand), two levels of nitrogen fertilizer (control (0), and 30 kg/ha) and two levels of biofertilizer (non-inoculation and inoculation). Results indicated that the greatest pods/plant, seed weight/plant and 100 seed weight were belonged to the second level of humic acid. The maximum grain yield (271.5 g/m2) and biological yield (684.31 g/m2) were obtained from 2 per thousand concentration of the humic acid application. The greatest grain potassium concentration (1297.56 mg/kg) was belonged to the second level of humic acid. Nitrogen and biofertilizer applications significantly increased the grain yield, seed weight/plant and harvest index. Maximum percentage of seed protein (22.91) was obtained from integrated treatment of biofertilizer and nitrogen. From the gathered data it appears that humic acid and biofertilizer applications integrated with nitrogen fertilizer may improve  seed yield and quality of chickpea.