Captain-variety chickpeas were sown in late May across two adjoining 100-hectare paddocks. Both crops were planted using the same planter over 48 hours to ensure consistency in establishment. One paddock was managed using Best Farming Systems’ biological program, while the adjacent paddock was managed using industry-standard chickpea inputs and served as the control. Fallow and in-crop herbicide programs were identical across both paddocks.

Biological Program (Best Farming Systems)

The biologically managed paddock received TM Agricultural (TM AG) and Best Fulvic Plus (Fulvic Acid & Kelp) in December 2024, alongside a knockdown herbicide during the fallow period. At sowing, chickpea seed was treated with TM Germination.

In August, an in-crop application of TM Ag was applied with a selective grass herbicide. In September, Fulvic Plus, Best Foliar Fertiliser (N, P, K, Mg, S, Fe, B, Mo, Zn, Mn), and the Best Booster Pack (additional Zn, B, and Mo) were applied. This program was designed to maintain plant health and immunity, support oxidative processes within the plant, and help the crop resist disease pathogens and pests while maintaining yield potential.

Later in September, a single insecticide application was required to manage Heliothis grubs, which were just on the threshold of requiring intervention. TM Ag was included with this insecticide to buffer the negative impacts on beneficial insects and to further stimulate the native soil microbiome. This supported the ongoing release of nitrogen and other soil-bound minerals in line with crop demand.

Crop Observations & Outcomes
When examining the crop, the biologically managed chickpea crop showed no visible signs of disease. Plants were well loaded with pods, many containing two to three peas per pod. Root systems displayed multiple clusters of large, active nodules that, when split open, contain dark red leghaemoglobin, indicating a strong presence of Nitrogen-fixing rhizobial bacteria.

These observations align with published research indicating that chickpea nodulation and nitrogen fixation are strongly influenced by abiotic factors such as soil moisture, pH and plant-available nutrients. Importantly, chickpea nodulation and N-fixation are highly dependent on available nitrogen levels in the soil environment (Plett, Bithol & Dando, 2021).

Comparison With Conventional Management
The adjacent control crop, which did not receive Best Farming Systems products, has required three fungicide applications and one insecticide application to date.

The results observed in the biologically managed paddock demonstrate the ability of TM Ag to activate the native soil microbiome, delivering nutrients to the plant when required. When combined with Fulvic Plus and targeted foliar nutrition, this approach has supported efficient nutrient uptake, strong nodulation and plant immunity, eliminating the need for fungicide applications.

In contrast, the control crop highlights how reliance on fungicides and the lack of biological activation can impair nutrient accessibility. This reduces the plant’s ability to oxidise effectively, limiting its capacity to naturally resist disease pathogens and pests.

Treated

Control

Treated

Control

Treated

Control

Economic Comparison – Return per Hectare

Best Farming Systems – Treated Chickpea Crop (Excluding fallow & in-crop herbicides)

Gross Return/ha
2.2 t/ha × $540/t = $1,188.00

Net Return/ha
$1,188.00 − $76.96 = $1,091.04

Control Chickpea Crop (Excluding fallow & in-crop herbicides)

Gross Return/ha
1.4 t/ha × $540/t = $756.00

Net Return/ha
$756.00 − $82.13 = $643.87

Key Takeaways

Despite similar total input costs, the biologically managed chickpea crop delivered:

• +0.8 t/ha yield increase
• $432/ha higher gross return
• $447/ha higher net return
• Reduced reliance on fungicides while maintaining crop health and yield potential

This demonstrates that activating the soil microbiome and supporting plant nutrition when required can significantly improve both agronomic performance and profitability per hectare.