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CICER ARIETINUM L. AS A CLIMATE-RESILIENT ALTERNATIVE TO PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L. IN SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE
Abstract
Climate change and increasing drought frequency pose major risks to legume production in Southeastern Europe, threatening food security and sustainable land use. This study evaluates chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as a climate-resilient alternative to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under the pedoclimatic conditions of Southwestern Romania. A bifactorial field experiment (species - preceding crop) was conducted in 2023 (favorable year) and 2024 (drought year). Results showed that chickpea maintained significantly higher yield stability (average 1205 kg ha?-) than common bean (961 kg ha?-), with yield reductions under drought of only 15-20% compared to over 45% for bean. Although protein content was similar, protein yield was higher in chickpea due to its stable productivity. Wider row spacing (50-70 cm) improved performance in both species. Beyond agronomic advantages, chickpea enhances soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation and supports biodiversity and carbon sequestration. These findings highlight chickpea-s potential to strengthen climate resilience, improve crop rotation sustainability, and align local farming practices with European Green Deal objectives.
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References17
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