Effect of sulphur, phosphorus and Rhizobium inoculation on yield, content of micronutrients and phosphorus utilization of lentil

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted on lentil grown on sulphur and phosphorus deficient sandy loam soil to evaluate the effect of four levels of sulphur (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg S/ha) and phosphorus (0, 12.9, 25.8 and 38.7 kg P/ha) with and without Rhizobium inoculation. Application of S up to 60 kg/ha significantly increased the yield and Fe content of lentil, whereas Zn, Cu and Mn contents increased with increasing levels of S. Lower levels of S (30 kg/ha) increased the content and uptake of P by grain and straw of lentil, while decreasing trend was found in availability, apparent recovery and use efficiency of P with increasing levels of S. Addition of P up to 25.8 kg/ha significantly increased the yield as well as Mn and Fe contents in grain and straw, but decreased with further addition of P i.e., 38.7 kg P/ha. Content of Zn and Cu in grain and straw of lentil decreased linearly with increasing levels of P. Content at different stages and uptake of P by grain and straw, available P status in soil was increased with increasing levels of P and maximum value was obtained at 38.7 kg P/ha. Maximum apparent recovery and use efficiency of P was observed at lower level of P (12.9 kg P/ha) and decreased with increasing levels of P. Rhizobium inoculation increased the yield, uptake of P by grain and straw, apparent recovery and use efficiency of P over without inoculation