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Effects of Irrigation Intervals on the Growth and Yield of Flax under Kabul Climate Conditions

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Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important oilseed and fiber crop with significant economic value. Efficient irrigation management is essential for improving crop productivity under the semi-arid conditions of Kabul, where water resources are limited. However, information on the optimum irrigation interval for flax production in this region is scarce.

This field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, during the spring season of 2025.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different irrigation intervals (4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days) on the growth and yield of flax, Badakhshee variety. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and three replications across two sites.

Data were recorded on plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, 1000-grain weight (g) and total yield per hectare. The results showed that irrigation intervals significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected all measured parameters. The highest plant height (68.67 cm), number of pods per plant (189), and grain yield (1856.67Kg ha⁻¹) were obtained under the 12-day irrigation interval, which increased yield by approximately (27.87%) compared to the 20-day interval. In contrast, the lowest values for most traits were recorded under the 20-day irrigation interval.

These findings indicate that irrigation every 12 days provides optimal moisture conditions for flax growth under Kabul agro-climatic conditions. Therefore, this interval is recommended for maximizing yield while ensuring efficient water use.

Comparison of Yield & Agronomical Characteristics of four Local Mung Bean Varieties under Climatic Conditions of Kabul, Afghanistan

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Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is an important pulse crop with considerable potential to enhance food and nutritional security, improve soil fertility, and increase farmers’ incomes in Afghanistan. However, its productivity remains constrained by the widespread use of low-yielding varieties and the challenges associated with semi-arid climatic conditions. This study evaluated the Agronomic performance and yield potential of four mung bean varieties under the Agro climatic conditions of Kabul, Afghanistan, where low annual precipitation, high summer temperatures, and climatic variability limit crop production. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of four treatments: Helmandi (T1), Local (T2), 08 Certified (T3), and 07 Certified (T4), with six replications. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment means were compared using an appropriate mean separation test.

The results demonstrated significant differences (P < 0.05) among the evaluated varieties. The 07 Certified variety (T4) produced the highest mean grain yield (1,833.77 kg ha⁻¹), followed by 08 Certified (T3) (1,720.72 kg ha⁻¹), Local (T2) (1,378.87 kg ha⁻¹), and Helmandi (T1) (643.56 kg ha⁻¹). Mean comparison analysis confirmed significant differences among all varieties, with the performance ranking as T4 > T3 > T2 > T1. The superior yield performance of the 07 Certified variety indicates its greater adaptability and productivity under the semi-arid conditions of Kabul. These findings highlight the importance of promoting improved certified mung bean varieties to enhance crop productivity, support climate resilient agricultural systems, and contribute to improved food security and rural livelihoods in Afghanistan. Further multi location and multi-season evaluations are recommended to assess the stability, adaptability, and potential for wider adoption of the 07 certified variety.