An introduction to the key factors of chickpea management follows. Ascochyta is a fungal pathogen that can completely wipe out chickpea crops and is explained further below. A key market factor for chickpea is seed size, with large seed receiving higher prices. Large seed size is difficult to attain in dryland crop production, so target large seeded Kabuli varieties to fallow fields and areas with good soil moisture recharge. Field selection Careful field selection is critical in planning chickpea production.
Chickpea grows best on well-drained soils.
High salinity inhibits chickpea production. Chickpea production is most successful with deep-stored water as it has similar water use patterns to wheat. Decisions on whether to plant chickpea on grain stubble or fallow depend on precipitation received from the time of harvest to seeding versus stored water in fallow. The water use equation for chickpea is poorly understood but preliminary data suggest the initial yield point for Kabuli chickpea requires 3 to 4 inches of water, beyond which water is converted at a rate of about 2.5 bushels per acre-inch. Irrigation increases the relative humidity within the crop and increases the establishment and spread of Ascochyta.