Productivity of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.) as Influenced by Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

Aims: To study the growth and yield of lentil as influenced by organic (Rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria) and inorganic fertilizers (four levels of phosphorus viz., 0, 20, 40 & 60 kg P205/ha and recommended dose of nitrogen and potassium)

Study Design: Randomized block design (RBD) with three replications

Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted during winter season of 2012-2013 at Agronomy Research Farm, CSKHPKV, Palampur, HP, India.

Methodology: The experiment consisted of 16 treatments comprising of four levels each of biofertilizer (UI= uninoculated, InRh= inoculation with Rhizobium, InPSB= inoculation with phosphate solubilizing bacteria & InRh +PSB= inoculation with both Rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria) and phosphorus (0, 20, 40 & 60 kg P205/ha).

Results: Seed and straw yield of lentil was significantly influenced by the different treatments. Significantly higher yield of lentil was obtained in the plots sown with inoculated seed over uninoculated seed (UI). Higher seed as well as straw yield was recorded in the plots treated with phosphorus application over control (Po). Combined inoculation with Rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria produced the highest seed and straw yield. The highest yield was recorded in the plots received phosphorus 60 kg P205per hectare but the maximum response (kg seed/ kg P205) was at P40. Interaction between biofertilizers and phosphorus levels was also significant in respect of seed as will as straw yield. The maximum yield was recorded in the plots sown with inoculated seed with both biofertilizers and applied 60 kg P205 per ha (InRh+PSB + P60).

Conclusion: The study concluded that lentil responded better to phosphorus application upto 60 kg P205/ha in combination with seed inoculation with Rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria.