Effects of Supplementary Irrigation and some Stress Modifiers (Vermicompost, Nano Iron Oxide, and Humic Acid) on Grain Filling Components, Nodulation and Grain Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Rainfed Conditions

پژوهشهای زراعی ایران

Article 7, Volume 23, Issue 1 - Serial Number 77, March 2025, Pages 91-108   

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.22067/jcesc.2024.87923.1323

Authors

R Seyed Sharifi^{* 1}; R Seyedsharifi²

¹Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

²Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop that also serves as a soil enhancer. Among the abiotic stresses, water deficit under rain-fed conditions limits crop production. In this regard, stress modifiers application (such as humic acid, nano iron oxide, and vermicompost) can decrease the effects of water deficit under rain-fed conditions and increase grain filling components, relative water content and quantum yield of plants. Iron (Fe) is an essential element in crop plants. Application of iron and humic acid alleviates drought effects due to enhancement in chlorophyll content, relative water content and nodulation in chickpea plants under stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementary irrigation and stress modifiers (such as humic acid, nano iron oxide and vermicompost) on nodulation and yield of chickpeas under rain fed conditions.
Materials and Methods
A factorial experiment was performed at a farm near Ardabil city in 2023 using a RCBD with three replications. Experimental treatments were vermicompost (without application as control, application of 4 and 8 ton.ha^-1), irrigation at two levels (rainfed as control and supplementary irrigation at the flowering stage) and application of humic acid and nano iron oxide (no application as control, application of humic acid, nano iron oxide, humic acid and nano iron oxide foliar application). The chickpea cultivar ‘Adel’ was planted with the optimal density of 35 seeds.m^-2. Vermicompost was prepared by Gilda Corporation and nano iron oxide from Pishgaman Nanomaterials Company. Application of nano iron oxide and humic acid was in two growth stages (vegetative growth and before flowering). In order to study the nodulation, three pots (with a diameter of 45 and depth of 60 cm) were sown in each plot before planting. The pots were removed at flowering and after washing, some traits like the number of inactive and active nodules were recorded. To investigate grain filling components, the first sampling was taken 14 days after podding and other samplings were taken in 5-days intervals to determine the accumulation of grain weight. The protein amount was calculated by multiplying the nitrogen content by 6.25. For the determination of grain yield, 0.5 m² were harvested in each plot.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that chlorophyll index, relative water content, quantum yield and number of pod per plant were significantly affected by the main effects of irrigation levels, vermicompost and humic acid. Also, irrigation levels×vermicompost×humic acid interactions had a significant effect on grain filling components (grain filling period; grain filling rate; effective grain filling period; maximum of grain weight) and grain yield. The results indicated that water deficit under rainfed conditions compared to supplementary irrigation at flowering stage led to a significant decrease in chickpea yield and yield components. However application of stress modulators (vermicompost, nano iron oxide and humic acid) and supplementary irrigation at flowering stage moderated the adverse effects of stress. Modulating effects of studied vermicompost, nano iron oxide and humic acid were emerged by physiological traits improvement‎ (SPAD, quantum yield, grain filling components, number of active nodules  and  nodule dry weigh, and improvement of the water status (relative water content). The use of supplementary irrigation and stress modifiers (vermicompost, nano iron oxide and humic acid) increased grain filling rate (51.96%), grain filling period (62.5%) and effective grain filling period (44.61%) in compared to the no application of stress modifiers under rainfed condition. Application of vermicompost with nano iron oxide and humic acid increased number of active nodules (2.8 fold), nodule dry weigh (45%) and percentage of active nodules (2.3 fold) in compared to control (no application of stress modulators). Also, the application of stress modulators and supplementary irrigation at flowering stage had the highest efficiency in improving grain yield and led to 57% increase in grain yield compared to the no application of theirs under rain fed conditions.
Conclusion
Based on the results of this study, applying supplementary irrigation at flowering along with stress modifiers can enhance nodulation, grain filling components, and grain yield of chickpea under rainfed conditions.

Keywords

Cholorophyll index; Grain per pod; Quantum yield; Relative water content; Water limitation

References

1. Abolfazli, B., Alikani, H. A., & Rejali, F. (2017). Evaluating synergistic effects of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on symbiotic nitrogen fixation in lentil plant under water stress conditions. Journal of Soil Biology, 4(2), 123-134. (in Persian with English abstract). https://doi.org/22092/SBJ.2017.109307
2. Armin, M., & Moslehi, J. (2012). Response of yield and yield components of chickpea to time and amount of humic acid. Modern Science of Sustainable Agriculture Journal, 4, 1-9. (in Persian with English abstract).
3. Ayas, H., & Gulser, F. (2005). The effect of sulfur and humic on yield components and macronutrient contents of spinach. Journal of Biological Sciences, 5(6), 801-804. (in Persian with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.3923/jbs.2005 .801.804
4. Baluchi, H.R., Amini, F., Movahedi Dehnovi, M., & Atarzadeh, M. (2016). Effect of different growing organic substrates on growth and yield components of pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) under heavy metals stress. Journal of Agricultural Science and Sustainable Production, 26(2), 57-72. (in Persian with English abstract).
5. Barzali, M., Nasri, M., & Karimifar, M. (2016). Effects of plant density on some growth and physiological responses and activity of antioxidant enzymes in chickpea. Plant Physiology, 11(43), 25-38. (in Persian with English abstract). https://dorl.net/dor/1001.1.76712423.1395.11.43.3.0
6. Bakshi Moghadam, F., Mortazavi, S. A., Milani, E., & Hashemi, M. (2015). Evaluation of the diversity of nitrogen fractions and functional characteristics of chickpea protein isolate. Journal of Innovation in Food Science and Technology, 5(4), 93-104. (in Persian with English abstract).
7. DeSouza-Torres, A., Govea-Alcaide, E., Gómez-Padilla, E., Masunaga, S. H., Effenberger, F., Rossi, L. M., López-Sánchez, R., & Jardim, R. F. (2021). Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and Rhizobium inoculation enhance nodulation, nitrogen fixation and growth of common bean plants grown in soil. Rhizosphere, 17, 100275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rhisph.2020.100275
8. El-Hefny, E. M. (2010). Effect of saline irrigation water and humic acid application on growth and productivity of two cultivars of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata ). Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 4(12), 6154-6168.
9. Ellis, R. H., & Pieta-Filho, C. (1992). The development of seed quality spring and winter cultivars of barley and wheat. Seed Science Research, 2, 19-25. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0960258500001057
10. Fahad, S., Ahmad, M., Akbar Anjum, M., & Hussain, S. (2014). The effect of micronutrients (B, Zn and Fe) foliar application on the growth, flowering and corm production of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) in calcareous soils. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 16, 1671-1682. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.16807073.2014.16.7.10.6
11. Feng,Y., Kreslavski, V. D., Shmarev, A. N., Ivanov, A. A., Zharmukhamedov, S. K., Kosobryukhov, A., Yu, M., Allakhverdiev, S. I., & Shabala, S. (2022). Effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) on growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant activity and distribution of mineral elements in wheat (Triticum aestivum) plants. Plants, 11, 1-15. https://doi.org/1071/FP23085
12. Goos, R. J., & Johnson, B. E. (2000). A comparison of three methods for reducing iron-deficiency chlorosis in soybean. Agronomy Journal, 92, 1135-1139. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2000.9261135x
13. Hadi, H., Seyed Sharifi, R., & Namvar, A. (2016). Phytoprotectants and Abiotic Stresses. Uremia University Press. 342 pp.
14. Hamzei, J., Seyedi, M., Azadbakht, A., & Fesahat, A. (2018). Effect of foliar application of iron on growth, nodulation and quantity and quality of yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) in Hamedan. Journal of Crop Ecophysiology, 12(3), 427-444. (in Persian with English abstract).
15. Heidarpour, O., Esmaielpour, B., Soltani Toolarood, A., & Khorramdel, S. (2020). Effect of vermicompost on morphophysiological, biochemical and yield characteristics of summer savory (Satureja hortensis) under different irrigation regimes. Journal of Agroecology, 12(3), 507-522. (in Persian with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.22067/JAG.V12I3.79634
16. Irmak, S., Nuran Cıl, A., Yucel, H., & Kaya, Z. (2012). The effects of iron application to soil and foliarly on agronomic properties and yield of peanut (Arachis hypogaea). Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment, 10(3 & 4), 417-422. https://doi.org/15316/SJAFS.2022.025
17. Jahangiri Nia, E., Syyadat, S. A., Koochakzadeh, A., Sayyahfar, M., & Moradi Telavat, M. R. (2016). The effect of vermicompost and mycorrhizal inoculation on grain yield and some physiological characteristics of soybean (Glycine max) under water stress condition. Journal of Agroecology, 8(4), 583-597. (in Persian with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.22067/JAG.V8I4.51116
18. Jat, R. S., & Ahlawat, I. P. S. (2006). Direct and residnal effect of vermicompost biofertilizers and phosphorus on soil nutrient dynamies and productivity of chickpea–fodder maize sequence. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 28, 41-56. https://doi.org/10.1300/J064v28n01_05
19. Jiao, J., Chen, K., & Yi, C. (2010). Effects of soil moisture content on growth, physiological and biochemical characteristics of Jatropha curcas Acta Ecologica Sinica, 30, 4460-4466.
20. Khalilzadeh, R., Seyed Sharifi, R., & Jalilian, J. (2018). Growth, physiological status, and yield of salt-stressed wheat (Triticum aestivum) plants affected by bio fertilizer and cystocele applications, Arid Land Research Management, 23, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/15324982.2017.1378282
21. Kheirizadeh Arough, Y., & Seyed Sharifi, R. (2018). Effects of bio fertilizers and zinc on yield, variations of quantum yield, stomatal conductance and some physiological traits of triticale (Triticosecale) under withholding conditions. Journal of Process and Function, 7(26), 57-74. (in Persian with English abstract). https://dorl.net/dor/1001.1.23222727.1397.7.26.14.3
22. Khosravi, H., Daneshvar, M., Hosseini, S. Z., & Mir, Y. (2015). Survey the effects of vermicompost and bio superabsorbent on yield components and physiological characteristics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum ) cultivars. Journal of Plant Echophysiology, 8(26), 215-229. (in Persian with English abstract).
23. Kostopoulou, P., Barbayiannis, N., & Basile, N. (2010). Water relations of yellow sweet clover under the synergy of drought and selenium addition. Plant and Soil, 33(1), 65-71. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-009-0176-x
24. Kreslavskia, V. D., Shmarev, A. N., Ivanova, A., Zharmukhamedov, S. K., Strokina, V., Kosobryukhov, A., Yu, M., Allakhverdiev, S. I., & Shabala, S. (2023). Effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) and salinity on growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant activity and distribution of mineral elements in wheat (Triticum aestivum). Functional Plant Biology, 50(11), 932-940. https://doi.org/10.1071/fp23085
25. Maccarthy, P. (2001). The principles of humic substances. Soil Science, 166, 738-751.
26. Mehraban, A. (2017). Effect of foliar application of iron on yield, yield component, and grain protein of lentil crop. Journal of Plant Environmental Physiology, 12(45), 27-37. (in Persian with English abstract). https://dorl.net/dor/1001.1.767124 23.1396.12.45.3.1
27. Meng, W., Yu, Z., Zhao, J., Zhang, Y., & Shi, Y. (2017). Effects of supplemental irrigation based on soil moisture levels on photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation, and remobilization in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars. Plant Production Science, 20, 215-226. https://doi.org/10.1080/1343943X.2017.1302307
28. Mohammadi, M., Roozrokh, M., & Talebi, R. (2015) Effect of supplemental irrigation and iron spraying on chickpea genotypes in Kermanshah. Journal of Plant Ecophysiology, 8(27), 113-103. (in Persian with English abstract).
29. Najarian, D., Ghonudi, F., Masoud Sinaki, J., & Valaei, G. (2016). Effect of water stress and vermicompost fertilizer on yield and yield components of cowpea (Vhgna unguiculata). Journal of Crop Physiology, 8(29), 59-72. (in Persian with English abstract).
30. Namvar, A., Seyed Sharifi, R., Sedghi, M., Asghari Zakaria, R., Khandan, , & Eskandarpour, B. (2011). Study on the effects of organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer on yield, yield components, and nodulation state of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 42(9), 1097-1109. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2011.562587
31. Narimani, H., Seyed Sharifi, R., Khalilzadeh, R., & Aminzadeh, G. (2018) Effects of nano iron oxide on yield, chlorophyll fluorescence indices and some physiological traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under rain fed and supplementary irrigation conditions. Iranian Journal of Plant Biology, 10, 21-40. (in Persian with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.22108/ijpb.2018.110895.1098
32. Nazari, G., Seyed Sharifi, R., & Narimani, H. (2021). Effect of mycorrhiza, vermicompost and nano silicon on agronomic and physiological traits of triticale under different intensities drought stress. Journal of Crop Production, 14(4), 21-45 (in Persian with English abstract). https://doi.org/22069/EJCP.2022.18925.2413
33. Nikbakht, A., Mohseni, K., Mesbah, B., Xia, Y. P., Ancheng, L., & Nemat, E. (2008). Effect of humic acid on plant growth, nutrient uptake and post harvest life of gerbera. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 31, 2155-2167. https://doi.org/10.1080/01904160802462819
34. Oftadeh Fadafen, A., Aminifard, M. H., Behdani, M. A., & Moradinezhad, F. (2018). Evaluation of 44 nitroxin and vermicompost on quantitative characteristics and photosynthetic pigments of 45 saffron (Crocus sativus). Journal of Saffron Research (semi-annual), 5(2), 163-179 (in Persian with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2017.320.1013
35. Ouk, M., Shu, F., Ken, F., Jaya, B., Mark, C., & Harry, N. (2003). Routine selection for drought resistance in rain fed lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Cambodia. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Research on Water in Agriculture, CARDI, Cambodia, 25-29.
36. Pashnezhad, F., Majid Hervan, A., Nourmohammadi, A., Sayyadat A., & Wazan, S. (2010). Evaluation of the effect of drought stress on effective traits on the accumulation of materials in grain of different wheat cultivars. Agricultural Science, 13, 149-137.
37. Rahman, S. M., & Uddin, A. S. M. (2000). Ecological adaptation of chickpea to water stress. Legume Research, 23, 1-8.
38. Ronanini, D., Savin, R., & Hal, A. J. (2004). Dynamic of fruit growth and oil quality of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) exposed to brief interval of high temperature during grain filling. Field Crop Research, 83, 79-90. https://doi.org/10.1016 /S0378-4290(03)00064-9
39. Sabouri, F., Siroosmehr, A. R., & Gorgini Shabankareh, H. (2017). Effect of irrigation regimes and humic acid solution on some morphological and physiological characteristics of Satureja hortensis. Iranian Journal of Plant Biology, 9(34), 13-24. (in Persian with English abstract). https://doi.org/22108/IJPB.2018.22437
40. Sam Dalire, M., Seyed Sharifi, R., & Esmaelpour, B. (2010). Pulses Agronomy. Islamic Azad University Press, Iran. pp. 282. (in Persian).
41. Samiran, R., Kusum, A., Biman, K. D., & Ayanadar, A. (2010). Effect of organic amendments of soil on growth and productivity of three common crops viz. Zea mays, Phaseolus vulgaris and Abelmoschus esculentus. Applied Soil Ecology, 45, 78-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2010.02.004
42. Shabani, R., & Armin, M. (2017). The effect of foliar application of urea and humic acid in rain-fed conditions on yield and yield components of chickpea. Journal of Crop Science Research in Arid Regions, 1(1), 77-88. https://dorl.net/dor/1001.1.2423611.1396.1.1.7.4
43. Soltani, A. (1998). Application of SAS statistical analysis (in Agriculture). Jahad Daneshgahi Mashhad Press, Mashhad, Iran. 188 pp. (in Persian).
44. Soltani, A., Hajjar Pour, A. & Vadez, V. (2016) Analysis chickpea yield gap and water-limited potential yield in Iran. Filed Crops Research, 185, 21-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2015.10.015
45. Stone, L. R., Schlegel, A. J. (2006). Yield–water supply relationships of grain sorghum and winter wheat. Agronomy Journal, 98, 1359-1366. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2006.0042
46. Talebi, R., Ensafi, M. H., Baghbani, N., Karami, E., & Mohammadi, K. H. (2013). Physiological responses of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genotypes to drought stress. Environmental and Experimental Biology, 11, 9-15
47. Theunissen, J., Ndakidemi, P. A., & Laubscher, C. P. (2010). Potential of vermicompost produced from plant waste on the growth and nutrient status in vegetable production. International Journal of Physiological Science, 5(13), 1964-1973.
48. Tuba Bicer, B., Narin Kolenderand, A., & Akar, D. A. (2004). The effect of irrigation on spring-sown chickpea. Journal of Agronomy Asian Network for Scientific Information, 3, 154-158. https://doi.org/3923/ja.2004.154.158
49. Yang, J., & Zhang, J. (2006). Grain filling of cereals under soil drying. New Phytologist, 169, 223-236. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2005.01597.x
50. Yordanov, I., Velikova, V., & Tsonev, T. (2003). Plant responses to drought and stress tolerance. Bulgarian Journal of Plant Physiology, Special Issues, 187-206.