The objective of this study was to determine the effects of seed inoculation with Rhizobium and microelements application in different plant densities on nodulation, seedling emergence, chlorophyll content, seed protein and grain yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Field experiment was done in Research farm at University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2009, A complete blocks design in a 3x2x2 factorial arrangement, with 4 replications was used to test two levels of seed inoculation (with and without inoculation), two levels of microelements application (with and without microelements spraying) and different plant densities in three levels at 25, 35 and 45 plants m-2 (D1, D2 and D3). Seed inoculation had significant effects on nodulation, emergence percentage, time of maturity, chlorophyll content, plant height, seed protein, pods per plant, hollow pod and grain yield. The highest values of these treats were observed in the inoculation treatments, except time of maturity and hollow pods percentage. Microelements application showed significant effects on nodulation, time of maturity, relative chlorophyll content, plant height, pod per plant, hollow pods percentage and grain yield. The highest grain yield was recorded in microelements spray application. The effects of plant densities on maturity time, plant height, pods per plant, hollow pods percentage and grain yield were found significant. The lowest values for time of maturity and the highest values for plant height were observed at D3. The maximum pods per plant and hollow pads percentage were obtained at D1.The highest grain yield was recorded at D3. The interaction effect of Rhizobium inoculation and microelements spraying on nodulation, seed protein and grain yield were significant. The highest protein content was achieved in seed inoculation with microelements application and the lowest of it was in non-inoculation and without of spraying microelements.
