Evaluation of Different Tillage Methods on Growth and Yield of Several Rainfed Autumn Lentil Cultivars in Kermanshah

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 Msc. of Ecology (Agroecology), Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.

Abstract

Abstract
Background and Objectives: Legumes, particularly lentils, serve as the second most important food source for humans, playing a key role in providing protein and enhancing soil fertility. Given the challenges of climate change and declining water resources, optimizing tillage systems to improve rainfed lentil yield is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different tillage systems on the growth and yield of winter-sown rainfed lentil cultivars under dryland conditions in Kermanshah.
Materials and Methods: A split-plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at the Research Farm of Razi University, Kermanshah. Main plots consisted of three tillage systems (no-tillage, minimum tillage, and conventional tillage), while subplots included five lentil cultivars (Gachsaran, Bileh Swar, Sepehr, Kimia, and a local). Seeds were sown at a density of 80 kg/ha. Each plot comprised five 4.5-meter-long rows with 17 cm spacing and 50 cm between plots. The experimental field had been under conservation agriculture for the past three years, with previous crops being camelina, chickpea, and safflower under rainfed conditions. Weed control was performed manually twice during the growing season. Measured traits included plant height, leaf area index (LAI), grain and biological yield, harvest index, pods per plant, seeds per pod, ground cover, seed protein content, and phenological characteristics. Data normality (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test) and homogeneity of variances (Levene’s test) were assessed at a 5% significance level using SPSS 25. Mean comparisons were conducted using LSD at a 5% probability level, and graphs were generated using Excel.
Results: Tillage systems significantly influenced lentil growth and yield. Minimum tillage, with an average grain yield of 898 kg/ha in the Bileh Swar cultivar, outperformed conventional tillage (805 kg/ha) and no-tillage (710 kg/ha). Minimum tillage also increased LAI by 15% and pods per plant by 20% compared to conventional tillage. Although conventional tillage enhanced ground cover by 10%, it required higher energy input and caused more significant soil degradation. Although tillage methods did not affect qualitative traits (grain protein content and harvest index), significant differences were observed among the cultivars. Bileh Swar exhibited the highest seed protein content (27.2%) and harvest index (35.85%), while the local landrace had the lowest (23.4% protein and 30.62% harvest index). Phenological analysis revealed that minimum tillage extended the growth period by 7-10 days compared to conventional tillage, likely due to better soil moisture retention.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that minimum tillage, with advantages such as increased grain yield (12% on average), improved growth indices, and enhanced soil moisture conservation, is the superior system for rainfed lentil cultivation in Kermanshah. Additionally, the Bileh Swar cultivar, with its high quantitative and qualitative performance, was the most suitable for these conditions. These results provide a scientific basis for promoting sustainable lentil production in arid and semi-arid regions. Combining minimum tillage with high-yielding cultivars can reduce production costs while enhancing regional food security.

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Crop Production
Volume 18, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 63-86

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