Effect of foliar application of zinc on growth and seed yield of late-sown lentil (Lens culinaris)

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted to develop zinc management strategy for late sown lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) crop alone or in cropping system mode during 2008-09 and 2009-10. Four levels of Zn, viz. Zn₁control (0.0%), Zn₂(0.02%), Zn₃(0.04%), Zn₄(0.08%) were applied foliar twice, first at preflowering and second at post podding stage.Highest (42.2 cm) and lowest (32.8 cm) plant height at harvest was recorded with application of 0.08% Zn and in control treatment. Longest (12.1cm) and shortest (7.9cm) root was recorded in the plots treated with 0.08% Zn and control respectively. Zn treatment (0.04%) produced maximum lentil seed (1 238.6 kg/ha), whereas lowest (1 063.1 kg/ha) was recorded under control. Highest nitrogen concentration (1.98 per cent)and N uptake (55.7 kg/ha) was recorded in plots fertilized with Zn applied @0.08%. Gradual buildup of organic carbon, N, P and K and zinc content in the soil were also noticed. It is recommended that under late sown condition foliar feeding with 0.04 % Zn twice during preflowering and post podding stage will increase lentil seed yield by 16.2%.