Pigeonpea transplanting for climate change adaptation: simulating transplanting methods and planting dates for sustainable pigeonpea production in semi-arid tropics

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Climate variability, improper planting methods, and incorrect sowing times significantly influence pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajan L.) yields in the semi-arid tropics (SATs). This research combines field trials with simulation modeling to evaluate how two planting methods viz ., direct seeding and seedling transplanting, affect the grain production of three potential pigeonpea cultivars (ICPH3762, ICPH2740, and Maruti) at locations in Medak and Parbhani, India. Experiments conducted from 2014 to 2016 at the research farms of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics demonstrated that transplanting outperformed direct seeding in terms of grain yield and related metrics. In the simulation study using DSSAT v4.8 under the RCP 4.5 climate scenario, projections indicated a future decline in pigeonpea yields during the 2021–2040 and 2041–2060 periods. Model calibration and validation showed good agreement between observed and simulated grain yields, with D-index values ranging from 0.92 to 0.99 across cultivars and planting methods. However, seedling transplanting showed a relative advantage in reducing yield losses compared to direct seeding. The simulation identified optimal transplanting dates: June 30 and July 10 for ICPH3762, and June 10 and June 20 for ICPH2740, for the periods 2021–2040 and 2041–2060 at the two locations. For Maruti, June 30 remained suitable across future periods and sites. These findings suggest that the combined use of transplanting and appropriate sowing dates can serve as a climate adaptation strategy to sustain pigeonpea productivity in similar SAT regions. The study provides practical guidance to farmers and supports policymakers in developing effective schemes to support sustainable pigeonpea cultivation through tailored agronomic practices.

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