Effect of Biofertilizers and Phosphorus on Growth and Yield of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.)

Sixteen treatments comprising of four biofertilizer inoculations [Rhizobium, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Rhizobium + PSB and no inoculation] and four phosphorus (0, 20, 40 & 60 kg P205/ha) levels were evaluated at Palampur to study the interaction of biofertilizers and phosphorus on growth and yield of lentil. Dual inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB resulted in taller plants, higher dry matter, nodules/plant, pods/plant, seeds/pod, 100-seed weight and seed and straw yield. Among phosphorus levels, significantly taller plants and higher number of primary branches/plant, seeds/pod and 100-seed weight were recorded at 40 kg P2O5/ha. The number of pods/plant and yield were highest at 60 kg P2O5/ha. The interaction between inoculation and phosphorus was significant for yield contributing characters and yield. The highest number of primary branches/plant (6.7), seeds/plant (1.8) and seed yield (924 kg/ha) was recorded under dual inoculation of biofertilizers + 60 kg P2O5/ha.