LAUSR

Field experiments were conducted at three locations with Zn deficient soils in southern Ethiopia during 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons to evaluate the effects of Zn fertilization strategies and varietal differences on Zn content and plant performance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Factorial combinations of three Zn fertilization strategies and five varieties were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in each location and year. A combined analysis of variance was made using a mixed effects model. Zinc foliar application increased grain Zn content by 21 and 22% over Zn soil application and seed priming, respectively. The improvements were around four folds for straw Zn content for the same comparisons. Effects of Zn application strategies on gain and straw Zn contents were consistent across locations. The grain Zn concentration varied among the varieties ranging from 34 mg kg-1 for Mastewal to 42 mg kg-1 for the Landrace and variety Arerti. Zn application strategies did not affect the growth and yield parameters, except for pod bearing branches. Foliar Zn application and appropriate variety selection are potential approaches for Zn biofortification in chickpea. Further study aimed at identifying most effective spray timing for maximum grain quality response would be worthwhile to cut fertilizer and application costs.