Leslie Massey
Chickpeas, or Cicer arietinum, are an annual legume with a pleasant nutty flavour. They are a staple in many cuisines around the world and can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, stews, dips, cakes, and even coffee substitutes. In Australia, chickpeas are grown as a rotational crop, with the first commercial crop being grown in Goondiwindi in the early 1970s. They are now an important crop in northern farming systems (NSW and Queensland) and are becoming more widely grown in southern and western regions. Chickpeas are well-suited to the medium rainfall areas of south-eastern Australia and can be grown through the winter, taking around 3-4 months to reach harvest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First grown in Australia | Goondiwindi during the early 1970s |
| Grown in | Northern farming systems (NSW and Queensland), Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia |
| Varieties | Desi, Kabuli, PBA Striker, PBA Slasher, PBA Maiden, Neelam, Ambar |
| Crop type | Winter crop, annual |
| Soil type | Well-drained loam to clay, pH 6-8 |
| Rainfall | 300-500 mm |
| Sowing season | Mid-autumn to early winter |
| Temperature | -5-40°C / 23-104°F |
| Germination time | 7-30 days |
| Height | 15-60 cm, up to 80 cm |
| Harvest time | 3-4 months |
| Uses | Human consumption, salads, soups, stews, curries, bread, cakes, coffee substitute, animal feed |
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What You'll Learn
- Chickpeas are grown in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia
- They are a winter crop, sown in autumn and harvested in spring
- Chickpeas are a rotational crop, improving soil nutrients for the next season
- They are grown commercially and for personal consumption
- Chickpeas are susceptible to pests and diseases, including aphids and grey mould
Chickpeas are grown in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia
Chickpeas are a staple food for humans, with their consumption dating back to 8000 BC in modern-day Turkey. They are used in a variety of dishes and offer nutritional benefits. In Australia, chickpeas are grown in New South Wales (NSW), Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Chickpeas were first cultivated as a commercial crop in Goondiwindi, Queensland, during the 1970s. Since then, they have become an important crop in the northern farming systems of NSW and Queensland. They are also increasingly grown in the southern states of Victoria and South Australia, as well as in Western Australia.
Chickpeas are well-suited to the medium rainfall areas of south-eastern Australia, typically receiving 300-500 mm of rainfall. They are a winter crop, taking around 3-4 months to reach harvest. The sowing season varies depending on the climate, with temperate and sub-tropical regions sowing in mid-autumn and tropical regions in early winter.
The chickpea plant is erect and freestanding, usually growing to a height of 15-60 cm. However, well-grown plants can reach up to 80 cm. Chickpeas thrive in well-drained loam to clay soils with a pH between 6 and 8. They do not grow in light acid soils or areas prone to waterlogging. The crop is sensitive to frost, and the fields should be harvested close to the ground to avoid issues with stony or uneven surfaces.
Chickpeas are a popular rotational crop for farmers as they improve soil nutrients for subsequent sowing seasons. They are easy to grow and respond well to irrigation in dry areas. Additionally, chickpeas are a high-value crop, with most of the grain being exported.
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They are a winter crop, sown in autumn and harvested in spring
Chickpeas are an annual legume that can be grown in Australia as a rotational crop. They are a winter crop, sown in autumn and harvested in spring. The specific timing varies depending on the region and climate. For example, in cold climates, chickpeas are typically sown in mid-autumn, while in tropical climates, they may be sown as late as early winter.
In Australia, chickpeas are well-suited to the southern grain production region, particularly in areas with medium rainfall (300-500 mm) in south-eastern Australia. They can also be grown in northern farming systems in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland. Chickpeas are a good choice for rotational cropping as they improve the nutrients in the soil for the next sowing season. They are often grown in rotation with cereal and canola crops.
When growing chickpeas, it is important to consider the soil type and moisture levels. Chickpeas prefer well-drained loam to clay soils with a pH between 6 and 8. They will not grow in light acid soils and should not be planted in areas prone to waterlogging. In arid regions, chickpeas may need to be sown deeper into the soil to access adequate moisture for germination.
The germination time for chickpeas is typically around 7 to 30 days at a soil temperature of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. During the winter months, crop growth is slow, but it accelerates in spring as the weather warms. It takes around 3 to 4 months for chickpeas to reach harvest.
To maximise yield, it is important to manage weeds and pests, and ensure adequate irrigation without over-watering. Chickpeas are susceptible to certain diseases, such as grey mould and downy mildew, especially in cool and damp conditions. With proper care and favourable conditions, chickpeas can be a successful winter crop in Australia.
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Chickpeas are a rotational crop, improving soil nutrients for the next season
Chickpeas are an increasingly popular crop in Australia, particularly in the northern farming systems of NSW and Queensland, and in the southern regions of Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. They are a highly valuable pulse crop, almost entirely used for human consumption, and are well-suited to the medium rainfall areas of south-eastern Australia.
Chickpeas are a great rotational crop option, offering several benefits to improve soil nutrients for the next season. Firstly, chickpeas are a legume, and when incorporated into a crop rotation system with non-legumes like wheat, they can improve soil quality and increase the gross margin. The rotation system provides environmental benefits compared to monoculture, particularly reducing the impacts of global warming and freshwater ecotoxicity. Additionally, chickpeas have a relatively short winter crop cycle, which allows them to fit into various cropping systems involving corn, cotton, and vegetables. This flexibility enables farmers to design rotational crop systems that can break pest cycles and suppress weeds.
In Australia, chickpeas are often grown in rotation with cereal and canola crops. They are well-adapted to well-drained loam to clay soils with a pH range of 6 to 8 and require careful weed management. Chickpeas are susceptible to boron toxicity, sodicity, and salinity issues, so soil conditions must be carefully managed.
Chickpeas are also relatively undemanding and remain productive under adverse environmental conditions. They respond well to irrigation in dry areas, and their deep root systems can preserve soil moisture. However, it is important to avoid over-watering as they do not tolerate waterlogging. The recommended crop rotation for chickpeas is once every four years to prevent the buildup of chickpea residue, which can lead to ascochyta blight, a significant disease for chickpeas.
By incorporating chickpeas into a rotational crop system, farmers can improve soil nutrients and create a more sustainable and profitable farming practice.
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They are grown commercially and for personal consumption
Chickpeas are grown commercially and for personal consumption in Australia. They are a winter crop, well-suited to the medium rainfall areas of south-eastern Australia. Chickpeas were first grown in Australia as a commercial crop in Goondiwindi in the early 1970s. They are now an important crop in the northern farming systems of NSW and Queensland and are becoming more widely grown in southern (Victoria and South Australia) and western (Western Australia) regions.
Chickpeas are a suitable break crop for heavier soils with a pH above 5.5 in Calcium Chloride. They respond well to irrigation in dry areas, and furrow irrigation is preferred over overhead irrigation. Chickpeas are susceptible to hostile sub-soils, with boron toxicity, sodicity, and salinity causing issues in affected paddocks. They will not grow in light acid soils and areas prone to waterlogging should be avoided.
Chickpeas are easy to grow and high in protein. They are a good rotational crop as they improve the nutrients in the soil for the next sowing season. They can be grown through the winter and take around 3-4 months to reach harvest. Chickpeas are a hardy crop, but flowers and fruit may drop if exposed to frost.
When growing chickpeas, it is important to note that they are susceptible to pests such as aphids and various fungal diseases. To maximise yield potential, it is important to irrigate crops adequately while avoiding over-watering as chickpea crops will not tolerate waterlogging.
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Chickpeas are susceptible to pests and diseases, including aphids and grey mould
Chickpeas are a high-value pulse crop grown in Australia, particularly in the northern regions of New South Wales and Queensland, as well as in Western Australia and southern regions like Victoria and South Australia. They are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including aphids and grey mould, which can significantly impact their growth and yield.
Aphids are a common pest for chickpea crops. Black aphids, in particular, can cause severe damage when infestation levels are high. They can also transmit plant viruses, which further exacerbates the problem. To control aphid infestations, early planting is recommended as it promotes early closure of the plant canopy and reduces the spread of viruses. Additionally, some chickpea cultivars are more susceptible to aphids due to their low density of trichomes (leaf hairs). Chemical control methods may be necessary, but it is important to note that aphids have developed resistance to several insecticides in certain regions.
Grey mould, caused by the fungus Botrytis, is another significant threat to chickpea crops. It is a serious disease in parts of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, where it can lead to substantial yield losses. In Nepal's eastern Terai region, grey mould is responsible for up to 15% yield loss, while yield losses of over 80% have been reported in Bangladesh and North-western India. The disease typically affects the crop during flowering, and symptoms include grey or dark brown lesions on stems, flowers, leaves, and pods. The grey fungal growth is particularly noticeable on flowers and petioles in the early morning. Cloudy weather conditions can also promote flower drop and rotting of plant parts.
To manage grey mould, cultural practices are essential since no fungicides provide effective control. Adequate plant spacing is crucial to avoid overcrowding, which can promote the disease due to competition for water. Crop rotation with non-host plants can also help reduce the pathogen population in the soil. Scouting for the disease is important, especially after flowering, by examining pods and stems for dark grey, fuzzy fungal growth.
In addition to aphids and grey mould, chickpeas in Australia face other pests and diseases. For example, Helicoverpa punctigera is a major pest of chickpeas in Australia, and its presence requires careful monitoring and management. Additionally, chickpeas are susceptible to ascochyta blight, which almost wiped out the industry in the southern region during the mid-1990s. However, new ascochyta-resistant varieties have been developed, allowing the industry to recover and grow again.
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Frequently asked questions
Chickpeas are grown in the northern farming systems of NSW and Queensland, as well as in southern regions like Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Chickpeas are a winter crop suited to medium rainfall areas (300-500 mm) of south-eastern Australia. They are grown in well-drained loam to clay soils with a pH range of 6 to 8. They are sensitive to frost and waterlogging.
There are two groups of chickpeas: desi and kabuli. Most Australian chickpea production is of the desi type.
Chickpeas take around 3-4 months to reach harvest.
