The response of physiological characteristics of chickpea to K and Zn fertilizers under dryland farming and supplementary irrigation conditions

This study was performed in order to evaluate the effects of supplementary irrigation and application of Zn and K fertilizers on physiological characteristics of chickpea. The experiment was conducted in a split plot-factorial using randomized complete blocks design with three replications at campus of agriculture and natural resources، Razi University، Kermanshah، Iran. Supplementary irrigation in two levels (W1= non irrigation and W2= supplementary irrigation at podding stage) was considered as main-plot; on the other hand، combination treatments of Zn fertilizer in four levels (Zn1=0، Zn2=20، Zn3=40 and Zn4=60kg/ha) and K fertilizer in three levels (K1=0، K2=50 and K3=100kg/ha) were considered as sub-plots. The results showed that the effects of irrigation on all studied physiological characteristics were significant excluding chlorophyll-a and RWL. Likewise، the effect of Zn fertilizer on all parameters was significant. Moreover، the effect of K fertilizer on all parameters was significant excluding chlorophyll SPAD. Based on the results، supplementary irrigation increased the chlorophyll-a، chlorophyll-b، chlorophyll-ab and relative water content (RWC). Under drought stress condition، proline content and storage protein were more than supplementary irrigation treatment. In the same way، application of K fertilizer improved all parameters excluding RWC. Application of 40kg Zn fertilizer improved all parameters in chickpea. In irrigation condition and already application of Zn and K fertilizers as much as optimum amount plant had a good physiological status and produced highest yield، too.