Chickpea is well adapted to the drier parts of the brown and dark brown soil zones of the prairies. Weeds are well adapted to local environment. Most germinate in early spring. Wild mustard and wild oats are vigourous competitors. Green foxtail, lamb's quarters, and wild buckwheat are less vigourous.
Weeds compete with crop for nitrogen.
Buckwheat, smartweeds and wild oats are high users. Weeds compete for moisture. Wild mustard, wild oats use 4X as much water as cereals. Light competition begins when plants begin to shade each other. Shading reduces green foxtail, wild oat competition.