Determining the most appropriate time and method of cultivation and establishment of Astragalus podolobus in Semirom region of Isfahan province

 The aim of this study was to investigate the best planting time and method of A. podolobus</em>. The experiment was conducted as a split plot design based on a completely randomized block design with three replications at Hana Semirom station, Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center during 2013 to 2015. Main factor was sowing date (fall and spring) and sub plot was sowing method (linear seeding and crescent shaped bounds). The results showed a significant effect of planting time, planting method, and its interactions on the percentage of establishment. The percentage of establishment of fall cultivation was 14.28% and spring planting was 27.78%. The lowest percentage of establishment was observed with 6.35% in sowing method and the highest with 35.71% in crescent banquet method. The interaction of this trait showed that the lowest percentage of establishment was observed in spring cultivation treatment and seeding method (4.76%) and the highest percentage was observed in crescent and spring cultivation methods (47.61%). The results indicated that crescent-shaped bounds were more appropriate in both spring and fall cultivation. Forage yield was strongly affected by the planting season and in fall and spring cultivation and were 7 and 15.6 grams per plant, respectively. Forage yield was 9.5 g in seeding method and 13.16 g in crescent bounds. The range of changes in this trait ranged from 6 g in fall cultivation and seeding method to 18.33 g per plant in spring cultivation and crescent bounds method. In general, the results showed that for planting this species in semi-steppe areas, spring planting in the form of crescent bounds and non-coating seeds is suitable for maximum establishment.