Effect of Zn and B on Lentil (Lens culinaris) Growth Characteristics, Yield, and Available Nutrients in the Soil

Abstract

To assess the effects of Zn and B treatment, a field experiment was carried out during the rabi seasion 2020–21 at the Crop Research Center of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.). Ten treatments, each with a different combination of control, RDF, Zn, and B, were examined using a randomised block design with three replications. The experimental results revealed that growth attributing traits viz. Plant population (ha-1), Plant height (cm), Number of branches plant-1, Dry matter accumulation (g m-2), Effective nodules (No. plant-1), Nodules dry weight (mg plant-1), yield viz. grain yield, straw yield, biological yield and harvest index and Available nutrient in soil N, P, K, Zn, S and B in lentil differed significantly among different treatments. Growth parameters and yield were significantly better in the treatment T10 (RDF + Boron 2 kg ha-1 + Zinc 5 kg ha-1). The highest grain yield was recorded in T10 RDF + Boron 2 kg ha-1 + Zinc 5 kg ha-1 was applied with Zn and B and was statistically at par with T8. From the study it may be concluded that the application of RDF + Boron 2 kg ha-1 + Zinc 5 kg ha-1 with Zn and B (T10) gave best results (Grain yield increased by 26.7%, 25.7%, 21%, 22.9%, 17.2% and 59.1% over T1, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T1, respectively) and proved to be beneficial for rabi lentil followed by  RDF + Boron 2 kg ha-1 + Zinc 5 kg ha-1 (T9) also gave better results. Zn and B, together with N, P, K, and S, were used in lentils in a balanced manner to preserve soil fertility while also improving growth characteristics and yield.