Yield Of Lentil Research Articles

Response of Lentil (Lens culinaries) to Post-rice Residual Soil Moisture Under Contrasting Tillage Practices

Soil moisture stress and excessive soil wetness are the main abiotic factors limiting lentil (Lens culinaries Medik) growth and productivity in the humid tropics. Field experiments were conducted during the post-monsoon to winter seasons (November–March) of 2012–2013 to 2013–2014 on a clay loam soil (Aeric Haplaquept) of Eastern India to cultivate rainfed lentil, utilizing the carry-over soil moisture and residual soil fertility, in rice fallow during post-rainy season. Our objective was to determine the effects of three tillage treatments, viz. No tillage with standing rice stubbles (NT), minimum tillage with standing rice stubbles (MT) and conventional tillage (CT), imposed on post-rice soil conditions, on the root-zone soil moisture storage, actual evapotranspiration (ETa) of lentil, actual time and intensity of crop stress exposed, as well as growth, seed yield, and water use efficiency of lentil. The soil moisture storage within the root-zone was 17.1–18.6 cm for NT and MT and 13.8–14.3 cm for CT during the time of sowing and the values declined to 7.5–10.0 cm during harvesting of lentil. Treatment CT declined > 40% of its readily available water at pod-formation stage. Soil moisture storage depletion from sowing to maturity at 0–40 cm depth was found 4.8, 3.4 and 6.9 cm under NT, MT, and CT, respectively. The leaf relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll concentration, crop growth rate (CGR) and biomass were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in NT and MT than CT. Leaf area, chlorophyll concentration and RWC varied significantly (P < 0.05) at critical crop growth periods under different tillage as compared to soil moisture stress. The ratio of CGR to LAI was 1.5 times more under NT and MT than under CT. The ETa was 11.41, 11.16 and 10.28 cm, respectively, for CT, NT and MT with a mean seed yield of 938, 1292 and 1225 kg ha−1 across both the years. Treatments NT and MT had significantly (P < 0.05) higher water use efficiency producing 35.3 kg ha−1 more seed yield per cm of water as compared with CT. The increase in yield was primarily ascribed to the favourable soil moisture content, which increased the plant growth rate (96% as compared with CT), thereby helping the crop to overcome the terminal drought during the later stages of the growth of lentil. Contrasting tillage practices modified the crop coefficient (Kc) values by altering evaporation and transpiration coefficients with mean Kc values for initial, development, mid-season and maturity stages were 0.32, 0.43, 1.12 and 0.39, respectively, under post-rice residual soil moisture. Our study concluded that when long-duration puddled-transplanted monsoon rice (~ 150 days) was the preceding crop in rice fallow situations, NT and MT are better alternatives to CT for the production of lentil.

Influence of Irrigation and Mulching on Yield Attributes, Yield and Quality of Lentil (Lens esculentum L.) Grown as Intercrop under Limited Water Conditions

Influence of Irrigation and Mulching on Yield Attributes, Yield and Quality of Lentil (Lens esculentum L.) Grown as Intercrop under Limited Water Conditions

Effect of panchagavya and recommended dose of fertilizers on growth, nutrient content and productivity of transplanted rice (Oryza sativa) under middle Gangetic plain of India

A field trial was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University during 2013-14 and 2014-15 to study the effect of time and rate of panchagavya application and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) on growth, nutrient content and productivity of transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.). Interaction of panchagavya and RDF exhibited significant effect on dry matter accumulation, productive tillers/m2 as well as grain and straw yields of rice. Enhancement by 42% in the number of productive tillers/m2 and 33% in grain yield was observed with the combination of D4 (seedling root dip + one spray at 30 DAT @ 6% + application through irrigation water at 60 DAT) + 100% RDF over 60%RDF without panchagavya. Application of panchagavya (D4) significantly increased nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in grain and straw following higher total uptake of these elements.120% RDF significantly increased the N, P and K content in grain and straw over 60, 80 and 100% RDF. Productive tillers/m2 , panicle length and filled spikelets/panicle showed linear response with yield. Residual effect of panchagavya (D4) in combination with 100% RDF recorded 27% increment in the yield of lentil.

Impact of heat stress during seed filling on seed quality and seed yield in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) genotypes.

Lentil, a cool-season food legume, is highly sensitive to high temperatures, which drastically reduce biomass and seed yield. The effects of heat stress on qualitative and quantitative aspects of seeds are not yet known. In this study, we assessed the effects of high temperatures on quantitative and qualitative aspects of seeds in a heat-tolerant (HT; FLIP2009) and heat-sensitive (HS; IG4242) genotypes in a controlled environment. Initially, the plants were raised in a natural, outdoor environment (22/10 °C mean day/night temperature, 1350 µmol m-2 s-1 light intensity, 60-65% relative humidity) from November to mid-February until 50% flowering (114-115 days after sowing). After that, one set of plants was maintained in a controlled environment (28/23 °C, as mean day and night temperature, 500 µmol m-2 s-1 light intensity, 60-65% relative humidity;control) and one set was exposed to heat stress (33/28 °C, as mean day and night temperature, 500 µmol m-2 s-1 light intensity, 60-65% relative humidity), where they remained until maturity. Compared to control, heat stress reduced the seed growth rate by 30-44% and the seed-filling duration by 5.5-8.1 days, which ultimately reduced the seed yield by 38-58% and individual seed weights by 20-39%. Heat stress significantly damaged cell membranes and reduced chlorophyll concentration and fluorescence, and the photosynthetic rate, which was associated with a significant reduction in relative leaf water content. The proximate analysis of seed reserves showed that heat stress reduced starch (25-43%), protein (26-41%) and fat (39-57%) content, and increased total sugars (36-68%), relative to the controls. Heat stress also inhibited the accumulation of storage proteins including albumins, globulins, prolamins and glutelins (22-42%). Most of the amino acids decreased significantly under heat stress in comparison to control, whereas some, such as proline, followed by glycine, alanine, isoleucine, leucine and lysine, increased. Heat stress reduced Ca (13-28%), Fe (17-52%), P (10-54%), K (12.4-28.3%) and Zn (36-59%) content in seeds, compared to the controls. High temperatures during seed filling are detrimental for seed yield and quality components in lentil genotypes, with severe impacts on heat-sensitive genotypes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dietary Reference Intake and Nutritional Yield of Lentils in the Northern Great Plains

Micronutrient deficiencies remain unacceptably high in the diets of many impoverished communities in both developed and developing countries. However, despite declining consumption patterns, pulse crops such as lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.) can serve as important crops to fill the micronutrient gap. In the present study, three lentil cultivars grown over a 2‐yr study period at two locations (Bison and Wall, SD) in the Northern Great Plains were evaluated to assess the crop's ability to meet the daily nutritional requirements of critical micronutrients: Fe, Mg, K, Se, and Zn. Results were found to vary significantly by location and by cultivar. The greatest differences were found for Se. Between cultivars, concentrations ranged from 115 to 210% of daily requirements per 100 g lentils at Bison and 295 to 381% at Wall. On the basis of average yields per hectare and nutrient concentrations, lentils were found on average to meet the yearly recommended intake requirements of 13 and 20 adult females for Fe, 9 and 13 adults for Mg, 7 and 11 adults for K, 49 and 125 adults for Se, and 14 and 26 adults for Zn between the two study sites, respectively.

Mitigating thermal and water stress in lentils via cultivar selection and phosphorus fertilization

Abstract Climate change affects the Mediterranean region stressing lentil crops during flowering and seed set. Early maturation and drought tolerance are desirable traits in these conditions. Phosphorus (P) is considered to enhance early flowering, maturity and thus yields. Four P rates (0, 30, 60, 90 kg P2O5 ha−1) were applied on four cultivars (Samos, Thessaly, Flip, Ikaria) during two seasons. Growing degree-days (GDD) were calculated for vegetative (V4–5, V7–8) and reproductive stages (R1, R2, R4, R6, R8). At R2 (full bloom) carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) was used to assess water-use efficiency. At R8 (full maturity), the seed weight (SW) was determined by harvest. Cultivars, P and the P × cultivar and P × growth season interactions affected the earliness in reproductive stages; P had no effect on GDD of vegetative stages. Phosphorus both induced earliness (Flip, Thessaly) and delayed maturity (Samos, Ikaria). GDD and SW were negatively correlated for the P × cultivar interaction at R1 (first bloom), R2, R4 (flat pod) and R6 (full pod filling) stages; being the strongest at R1. Negative correlations were evident for the P × growth season interaction at R2, R4 and R6 stages; being the strongest at R4. Cultivars and P did not affect Δ. A proper combination of cultivar and P rate can mitigate lentil yield losses under changing Mediterranean climate.

Effect of balanced fertilizers on soil quality and lentil yield in Gangetic alluvial soils of India

AbstractDeclining pulse production has caused wide concern in recent years. A field experiment was conducted to investigate effects of balance fertilizers based on soil test values and targeted yield equations on soil biological activities, soil quality, nutrient acquisition and grain yield of lentil. Treatments included the use of farmyard manure (FYM), bio-inoculants and inorganic fertilizers at different rates and combinations. The results revealed significant improvement in nodulation, microbial counts, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil respiration, soil enzymes and soil organic carbon (SOC) with integrated approaches (i.e. fertilizer plus FYM or bio-inoculants); these improvements led to achievement of the specific target yield of 1.50 t/ha. Although the highest yield was achieved with fertilizers applied for a target yield of 2.0 t/ha, there was significant decline in nodulation, microbial counts, MBC, soil respiration, soil enzymes, SOC and soil quality. Correlation between soil quality index (SQI) and grain yield suggested a significant influence of balanced fertilization based on soil tests and target yield. Principal component analysis revealed the average contribution of soil quality indicators towards SQI was in descending order of SOC &gt; acid phosphatase activity &gt; total culturable fungi &gt; available phosphorus &gt; BMC, which are crucial for sustainable lentil production in alluvial soils.

Yield enhancement and phosphorus economy in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) with integrated use of phosphorus, Rhizobium and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria

ABSTRACTThe study evaluated the effects of phosphorus (0, 20, 30, and 40 kg P2O5 ha−1) and biofertilizers [Rhizobium (Rhizobium leguminosarum bv viciae), plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (Pseudomonas fluorescens), Rhizobium + PGPR, and uninoculated control] in lentil. Application of 40 kg P2O5 ha−1 resulted in the highest number of nodules, nodule dry weight, leghemoglobin content in nodules, chlorophyll content, yield attributes, and grain yield. Coinoculated treatment performed better than uninoculated control, and individual inoculations of Rhizobium and PGPR in terms of all above mentioned parameters. Application of 20 kg P2O5 ha−1 + Rhizobium inoculation gave statistically similar and 20 kg P2O5 ha−1 + Rhizobium + PGPR inoculation gave significantly higher grain yield than that by 40 kg P2O5 ha−1 alone. The use of Rhizobium alone and Rhizobium + PGPR consortium can save not only 20 kg P2O5 ha−1 but also increase the grain yield of lentil.

Genetic Improvement of Lentil [Lens culinaris Medikus] Between 1980 and 2010 in Ethiopia

Information about changes associated with advances in crop breeding is essential for understanding yield-limiting factors and developing new strategies for future breeding programs. Eleven lentil varieties released in Ethiopia between 1980 and 2010 were grown in 2010 main cropping season at Debre Zeit and Enewari using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications with the objective to estimate the genetic progress in grain yield and agro-morphological traits of lentil. The estimated yield gains were 18.02 kg ha-1yr–1 at Enewari and 27.82 kg ha-1yr –1 at Debre Zeit, which suggests that the breeding effort does not have a similar effect on the two locations. Besides, significantly increasing trends parallel to variety release were also evident for biomass yield, biomass production rate, reduced days to flowering, and hundred seed weight at Debre Zeit. And also for biomass yield, hundred seed weight, biomass production rate, seed growth rate, and reduced number of seeds per pod at Enewari. Stepwise regression analysis also showed that biomass yield, harvest index, reduced number of days to flowering and plant height at Debre Zeit; seed growth rate and grain filling period at Enewari accounted for 99.8% and 94.5% of the variation among the varieties in grain yield respectively. The genetic gain was most clearly associated with a higher biomass yield and harvest index at Debre Zeit indicating the importance of biomass partitioning. The increase in seed growth rate and grain filling period with gradual reduction in number of seeds per pod associated with an increased hundred seed weight has represented the main breeding goal with an effect on the sink capacity at Enewari.&#x0D;

Formation of lentil yield components as affected by sowing timing, micronutrients and growth regulators

Purpose. To investigate the influence of sowing timing, microfertilizers and growth regulators on the formation of the components of the lentil ‘Linza’ yield structure.Methods. Field, laboratory.Results. The indices of plant height, height of attachment of the lower bean, number of main stems and stems of 2–3rd order, number of knots on lentil plants, buds, flowers and beans with seeds are given. The total number of seeds from one plant and per bean, the weight of seeds per plant and 1000-seed weight as affected by the factors of the experiment were determined. It has been established that the yield of a crop depends on a number of structural parameters that are being formed at earlier stages of plant growth and development. Having considered the limits of the variation of the yield components, it is possible to some extent agrotechnically neutralize the negative influence of a factor in the process of lentil cultivation. The results of the study of the effect of microfertilizers, growth regulators and their combination on the formation of elements of lentil ‘Linza’ yield structure, both individually and on average, are presented. It has been determined that in all years of the experiment, in terms of most indicators, the highest values of the yield components were recorded in 2016. The best values of the indices under study were obtained in the treatments with the combination of microfertilizer Reakom-SR-Bobovi and growth regulator Stympo at the first sowing date and micronutrient Reakom-SR-Bobovi at the second one.Conclusions. The following combinations of formulations had a better effect on the formation of some indicators of the crop yield: Kvantum-Bobovi on 1000-seed weight, Reakom-SR-Bobovi on the weight of seeds per one plant and Reakom-SR-Bobovi + Stympo on the number of beans, and seeds from one plant at the first sowing date. The application of Reakom-SR-Bobovi increases the total number of beans and set beans, the number of seeds per plant and the weight of seeds per plant; the option of using Reakom-SR-Bobovi + Regoplant positively affects the formation of 1000-seed weight at the 2nd sowing date.

Effect of phosphorus and zinc on yield of lentil

Fertilization of lentil (Lens culinaris) is one of the most crucial management technique which affects growth and yield. Therefore the present research was designed to investigate the response of lentil to various phosphorus and zinc levels at Agronomy Research Farm the University of Agriculture, Peshawar during rabi season 2015. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) having three replications.Five doses of phosphorus (40, 60, 80,100, and 120 kg ha-1) and four levels of zinc (3, 6, 9, and 12 kg ha-1) along with one control (No P and Zn) was used in the experiment. Number of pods plant-1, thousand grains weight, grain yield and seed recovery percentage was significantly influenced by different doses of both phosphorus and zinc. More pods plant-1(118) and (122), thousand grain weight (30 g) and (29.6 g), grain yield (2021.3 kg ha-1) and (2047.5 kg ha-1) and maximum seed recovery of 69 % were noted from the plots received 100 and 120 kg P ha-1 respectively. Similarly the application of zinc at 9 kg ha-1produced morepods plant-1 (117) and grain yield (1846 kg ha-1). Statistically similar results were found in plots received 9 and 12 kg Zn ha-1regarding thousand grain weights (30.6 g and 29.4 g) and seeds recovery percentage (68 %). The above all experimental results concluded that phosphorus and zinc should be used at the rates of 100 kg ha-1 and 9 kg ha-1 for the growth and yield of lentil. Keywords: Lentil; Phosphorus; Zinc; Yield components; Yield http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.600150

Field Pea and Lentil Tolerance to Interrow Cultivation

AbstractInterrow cultivation is a selective, in-crop mechanical weed control tool that has the potential to control weeds later in the growing season with less crop damage compared with other in-crop mechanical weed control tools. To our knowledge, no previous research has been conducted on the tolerance of narrow-row crops to interrow cultivation. The objective of this experiment was to determine the tolerance of field pea and lentil to interrow cultivation. Replicated field experiments were conducted in Saskatchewan, Canada, in 2014 and 2015. Weekly cultivation treatments began at the 4-node stage of each crop, continuing for 6 wk. Field pea and lentil yield linearly declined with later crop stages of cultivation. Cultivating multiple times throughout the growing season reduced yield by 15% to 30% in both crops. Minimal yield loss occurred when interrow cultivation was conducted once at early growth stages of field pea and lentil; however, yield loss increased with delayed and more frequent cultivation events.

Effects of Drought, Heat and Their Interaction on the Growth, Yield and Photosynthetic Function of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) Genotypes Varying in Heat and Drought Sensitivity.

Rising temperatures and drought stress limit the growth and production potential of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus), particularly during reproductive growth and seed filling. The present study aimed to (i) investigate the individual and combined effects of heat and drought stress during seed filling, (ii) determine the response of lentil genotypes with contrasting heat and drought sensitivity, and (iii) assess any cross tolerance in contrasting genotypes. For this purpose, eight lentil genotypes (two drought-tolerant, two drought-sensitive, two heat-tolerant, two heat-sensitive) were either sown at the normal time (second week of November 2014), when the temperatures at the time of seed filling were below 30/20°C (day/night), or sown late (second week of February 2015) to impose heat stress (temperatures > 30/20°C (day/night) during reproducive growth and seed filling. Half of the pots in each sowing environment were fully watered throughout (100% field capacity) while the others had water withheld (50% of field capacity) from the start of seed filling to maturity. Both heat and drought, individually or in combination, damaged cell membranes, photosynthetic traits and water relations; the effects were more severe with the combined stress. RuBisCo and stomatal conductance increased with heat stress but decreased with drought and the combined stress. Leaf and seed sucrose decreased with each stress in conjunction with its biosynthetic enzyme, while its (sucrose) hydrolysis increased under heat and drought stress, but was inhibited due to combination of stresses. Starch increased under heat stress in leaves but decreased in seeds, but drastically declined in seeds under drought alone or in combination with heat stress. At the same time, starch hydrolysis in leaves and seeds increased resulting in an accumulation of reducing sugars. Heat stress inhibited yield traits (seed number and seed weight per plant) more than drought stress, while drought stress reduced individual seed weights more than heat stress. The combined stress severely inhibited yield traits with less effect on the drought- and heat-tolerant genotypes. Drought stress inhibited the biochemical processes of seed filling more than heat stress, and the combined stress had a highly detrimental effect. A partial cross tolerance was noticed in drought and heat-tolerant lentil genotypes against the two stresses.

PENGARUH PERLAKUAN MULSA BATANG JAGUNG DAN STRIP PENGUAT TERAS TERHADAP LIMPASAN PERMUKAAN, EROSI DAN HASIL USAHA TANI

A Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) technology is site-specific to the conditions of local farmers. Field trials treatment of crop residue mulch and strengthened terrace strips has been done on dryland farming in Upper Solo and Keduang Sub Watersheds. The results showed: 1) corn + cassava + traditional terrace in Upper Solo Sub Watershed with treatments of: a) 8 ton/ha corn stems mulch and Setaria Grass strip (0-5 months) to strengthen terraces could decrease run off (16.3%) and erosion (31.2%), b) 8 ton/ha corn stems mulch combined with Jali strip decreased run off (11.3%) and erosion (26.9%), and c) 8 ton/ha corn stems mulch combined with Akar Wangi strip decreased run off (10.2%) and erosion (25.9%); and 2) cabbage, red lentils/red bean, and white lentils in Keduang Sub Watershed with treatments of: a) mulching of 12 ton/ha corn stems combined with Kolojono Grass strip (0-4 months) to strengthen terraces decreased run off (4.5%) and erosion (15.5%), b) mulching 8 ton/ha corn stems combined with Akar Wangi strip decreased run off (4.0%) and erosion (14.4%), and c) mulching 4 ton/ha corn stems combined with Jali strip decreased run off (2.4%) and erosion (13.3%). Giving of 12 ton/ha corn stems mulch could increase yield of cabbage (31.2%), red bean (40.3%), and white lentils (14.5%).

Assessment on induced genetic variability and divergence in the mutagenized lentil populations of microsperma and macrosperma cultivars developed using physical and chemical mutagenesis.

Induced mutagenesis was employed to create genetic variation in the lentil cultivars for yield improvement. The assessments were made on genetic variability, character association, and genetic divergence among the twelve mutagenized populations and one parent population of each of the two lentil cultivars, developed by single and combination treatments with gamma rays and hydrazine hydrates. Analysis of variance revealed significant inter-population differences for the observed quantitative phenotypic traits. The sample mean of six treatment populations in each of the cultivar exhibited highly superior quantitative phenotypic traits compared to their parent cultivars. The higher values of heritability and genetic advance with a high genotypic coefficient of variation for most of the yield attributing traits confirmed the possibilities of lentil yield improvement through phenotypic selection. The number of pods and seeds per plant appeared to be priority traits in selection for higher yield due to their strong direct association with yield. The cluster analysis divided the total populations into three divergent groups in each lentil cultivar with parent genotypes in an independent group showing the high efficacy of the mutagens. Considering the highest contribution of yield trait to the genetic divergence among the clustered population, it was confirmed that the mutagenic treatments created a wide heritable variation for the trait in the mutant populations. The selection of high yielding mutants from the mutant populations of DPL 62 (100 Gy) and Pant L 406 (100Gy + 0.1% HZ) in the subsequent generation is expected to give elite lentil cultivars. Also, hybridization between members of the divergent group would produce diverse segregants for crop improvement. Apart from this, the induced mutations at loci controlling economically important traits in the selected high yielding mutants have successfully contributed in diversifying the accessible lentil genetic base and will definitely be of immense value to the future lentil breeding programmes in India.

Effect of Trichodermaharzianumstrainsand IRRI BMP on Growth, Nodulation, Yield and Economics of Lentil under Lowland Rainfed Ecology of Bihar

Productivity of lentil in rainfed ecology is very low and crop was infested with different soil and seed born fungal disease. In light of fragment information available on response of seed treatment with Trichodermaharzianum strains S1 and S3, a field experiment was conducted during winter seasons of 2013-14 and 2014-15 at experimental farm of KrishiVigyan Kendra, Buxar and farmers field. Among different seed treatment practices coupled with IRRI BMP, Trichoderma strain S3 produced the highest number of pods/plant (59.6) and 100-grain weight (2.60 g) followed by seed treatment with S1+ IRRI BMP and Thiram+IRRIBMP. However, farmers’ practice recorded lowest value of all these traits. Highest number of nodules/plant (15.80) and dry matter of nodules, (37.12 mg/plant) were recorded under seed treatment with S3+IRRI BMP followed by S1+IRRI BMP and Thiram+IRRI BMP in order. Seed treatment with S3+IRRI BMP recorded highest root length (25.2 cm), root dry weight (0.90 g/plant) and seed yield (13.33 q/ha) followed by seed treatment with S1+IRRI BMP and Thiram+IRRI BMP in order. However, farmers’ practice recorded minimum value of these traits. Economic analysis of data showed that maximum net return (Rs 23489/ha) and cost-benefit ratio (2.42) was recorded under seed treatment with strain S3+IRRI BMP followed by seed treatment with S1+IRRI BMP and Thiram+IRRI BMP. However, minimum economic return was recorded with farmers’ practice.

Cluster front line demonstration of lentil under moisture stress condition of Kanpur Dehat

The study through cluster front line demonstration was carried out during autumn season with the objective to increase the production of pulses and replace the old cultivars. The soil of operational area was sandy clay loam, having low fertility status. The improved cultivar KLB-320 of lentil was tested with local genotype which is familiar in the locality. The cv. KLB-320 was planted in the first fortnight of November 2015 and harvested after 120-125 days of sowing in first fortnight of March, 2016. The cultivar KLB-320 gave grain yield by 15.60 q/ha, which was higher over local check by a margin of 3.45 q/ha. The growth and yield traits were concordant to the seed yield of lentil. The maximum growth and yield parameters were recorded under cv. KLB-320 on degraded soil in rainfed situation.

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on the Tolerance to Sodium Chloride Levels, and on Growth and Yield of Lentil (&lt;i&gt;Lens culinaris&lt;/i&gt;)

A pot experiment was carried out in the nethouse of Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur during 2014-2015 through 2015-2016. The design of the experiment was factorial randomized completely block design with 4 replications. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the potential of Arbuscular mycorrhization (AM) on the germination, yield and yield attributes of lentil treated with different concentration of sodium chloride (NaCl). Five NaCl treatments (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4%) possessed NaCl level as the first factor that were treated with soils before sowing of lentil seeds overriding or pivotal pulse crop in Bangladesh. The second factor consists of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal treatments. Mycorrhizal plants showed better performance in terms of germination %, yield and yield contributing characters than non-mycorrhizal plants. With increasing NaCl concentration germination %, yield and yield contributing characters in the rhizosphere soil, decreased significantly (p&lt;0.01). Interaction effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and NaCl on germination %, growth and yield of lentil were appeared to be statistically non-significant. The highest germination (96.25% in 2014-2015 and 92.50% in 2015-2016), seed yield (6.45 g pot-1 in 2014-2015 and 5.89 g pot-1 in 2015-2016), and stover yield (9.55 g pot-1 in 2014-2015 and 8.58 g pot-1 in 2015-2016) was found in NaCl 0% + AM treatment. The lowest germination %, seed yield and stover yield was found in NaCl 4% treatment. Mycorrhizal inoculation increased seed yield on an average by 31.85% during 2014-2015 and 63.71% during 2015-2016, and increased stover yield on an average by 48.56% during 2014-2015 and 63.55% during 2015-2016 over non-mycorrhizal inoculation. Therefore, it can be concluded that mycorrhizal inoculation increases germination %, growth and yield of lentil over non-mycorrhizal inoculation. The Agriculturists 2017; 15(1) 156-169

Will selenium fertilization improve biological nitrogen fixation in lentils?

ABSTRACTLentil is a cool season food legume rich in protein and micronutrients. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a low dosage of selenium (Se) on biological nitrogen (N) fixation, seed Se, and grain yield in lentils. The experiment was carried out at the Carrington Research and Extension Center, North Dakota, USA in 2012 and 2013. Six lentil genotypes were treated with three Se treatments. Application of selenate significantly increased percent Nderived from air (%Ndfa; 44%) compared to selenite (38%) and control (37%). In addition, selenate significantly increased lentil seed Se (1129 µg kg−1) compared to selenite (844 µg kg−1) and the control (542 µg kg−1). Both %Ndfa and grain yield increased with Se application. Selenate was the most effective form to increase %Ndfa. More research is required to determine the biochemical relationships between lentil yield and the Nfixation under Se deficient soils.

Productivity in an arable and stockless organic cropping system may be enhanced by strategic recycling of biomass

AbstractRecirculation of nitrogen (N) from crop residue and green-manure biomass resources may reduce the need to add new reactive N to maintain crop yield and quality. The aim of this study was to determine how different strategies for recycling residual and green-manure biomass influence yield and N concentration of the edible parts of food crops in a stockless organic cropping system. For this purpose, three biomass distribution treatments were investigated in a field experiment, based on a cropping system designed to produce both high-quality food crops and biomass resources from crop residues, cover crops and a green-manure ley. The three treatments, applied at the cropping system level, were: (1) incorporating the aboveground biomass resources in situ (IS); (2) harvesting, ensiling and redistributing the same biomass resources to the non-legume crops (biomass redistribution, BR); and (3) harvesting, ensiling and using the biomass resources as substrate for production of bio-methane via anaerobic digestion (AD) followed by distribution of the digestate as bio-fertilizer to the non-legume crops. The redistribution of ensiled (BR) and digested (AD) biomass did not increase the yield of the edible parts in winter rye (Secale cereal L.), white cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) or red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) compared with leaving the biomass on the ground at harvest (IS). The BR treatment increased the yield of lentil intercropped with oat, compared with IS treatment in one of the two studied years. The total biomass yield of the cover crop following winter rye was significantly higher in the BR treatment than in IS in both years. The legume proportion in the green-manure ley was significantly higher in the AD and BR treatments as compared with IS in one of the experimental years. This study showed that strategic biomass redistribution has the potential to enhance biomass productivity while maintaining food crop yields, thereby enhancing whole system productivity. Biomass redistribution systems both with and without biogas digestion offer a new strategy for the development of multifunctional arable cropping systems that rely on internal nutrient cycling.