Combined zinc and urea application enhances productivity and profitability of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of sole as well as combined foliar application of zinc (Zn) and urea at flowering and pod formation stages and soil application of Zn on symbiotic parameters, growth, yield, and economics of lentil. Field experiments were conducted at two locations (Ludhiana and Faridkot, northern India) during the winter season of 2018–19 and 2019–20 in randomized complete block design. The experiment comprised of 11 treatments [control (no soil/foliar application of ZnSO4 and no urea foliar application), soil Zn (25 kg ZnSO4 ha−1), foliar application of sole Zn (0.5% ZnSO4) or urea (2%) and combined Zn + urea at flowering, pod formation, or flowering + pod formation stages] and three replications. Zn and urea fertilization significantly improved the grain yield and related traits and economics in both the years of study at both the locations. The treatment of combined foliar application of Zn + urea at flowering + pod formation stages recorded the highest symbiotic parameters, chlorophyll content, growth and yield attributes, grain yield (29.5% higher than control), gross returns (29.5% higher), net economic returns (56.2% higher), and benefit cost ratio. The combined foliar application of Zn + urea can be done to improve growth, productivity, and economics of lentil and, therefore, it can help in upliftment of economic status of farmers.