INFLUENCE OF BIOFERTILIZER, PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM ON GROWTH, NODULATION AND YIELD OF LENTIL

(1)

INFLUENCE OF BIOFERTILIZER, PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM ON GROWTH, NODULATION AND

YIELD OF LENTIL

ANAMIKA AKTER

DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY

SHER-E-BANGLA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY DHAKA-1207

JUNE, 2021

(2)

INFLUENCE OF BIOFERTILIZER, PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM ON GROWTH, NODULATION AND YIELD

OF LENTIL

BY

ANAMIKA AKTER REG. NO. 14-05845

A Thesis Submitted to

The Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka

In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree

of

MASTERS OF SCIENCE (MS) IN

AGRONOMY

SEMESTER: JANUARY- JUNE, 2021 APPROVED BY:

Prof. Dr. A.K.M. Ruhul Amin Supervisor

SAU, Dhaka

Prof. Dr. Tuhin Suvra Roy Chairman

Examination Committee SAU, Dhaka

Prof. Dr. Mirza Hasanuzzaman Co-Supervisor

SAU, Dhaka

(3)

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:190)

DEDICATED TO MY BELOVED PARENTS

All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to them

(4)

Department of Agronomy

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Sher-e -Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “INFLUENCE OF BIOFERTILIZER, PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM ON GROWTH, NODULATION AND YIELD OF LENTIL” submitted to the Department of Agronomy, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in AGRONOMY, embodies the result of a piece of authentic research work carried out by ANAMIKA AKTER, Registration No.

14-05845 under my supervision and guidance. No part of the thesis has been submitted for any other degree or diploma.

I further certify that any help or source of information, received during the course of this investigation has been duly acknowledged.

Dated: June, 2021 Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dr. A. K. M. Ruhul Amin Professor

Department of Agronomy Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University

Supervisor Dated: June, 2021

Dhaka, Dangladesh

(5)

I

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

All praises to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, the most Gracious, the most Merciful and most Beneficent who enabled me to complete this present piece of work for the degree of Master of Science (M.S.) in the Department of Agronomy.

The author would like to express her deepest sense of gratitude, respect and appreciation to her research supervisor, Prof. Dr. A.K.M. Ruhul Amin, Department of Agronomy, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, for his kind and scholastic guidance, untiring effort, valuable suggestions, inspiration, extending generous help and encouragement during the research work and guidance in preparation of manuscript of the thesis.

The author sincerely expresses her deepest respect and boundless gratitude to her co-supervisor Prof. Dr. Mirza Hasanuzzaman, Department of Agronomy, for his helpful suggestion and valuable advice during the preparation of this manuscript.

The author would like to express her deepest respect and endless gratitude to all the respected teachers of Department of Agronomy, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, for the valuable teaching, co-operation and inspirations throughout the course of this study and suggestions and encouragement to research work.

The author would like to express her cordial thanks to the departmental and field staff for their active help during the experimental period.

The author feels proud to express her sincere appreciation and greatfulness to Ministry of Science and Technology, The People’s Republic of Bangladesh for providing her National Science and Technology (NST) fellowship.

At last but not the least, the author feels indebtedness to her beloved parents, family members and friends whose sacrifice, inspiration, encouragement, unconditional love and continuous blessing paved the way to her higher education.

The Author June, 2021

(6)

II

INFLUENCE OF BIOFERTILIZER, PHOSPHOROUS AND POTASSIUM ON GROWTH, NODULATION AND YIELD OF

LENTIL

ABSTRACT

To investigate the influence of biofertilizer, phosphorous and potassium on growth, nodulation and yield of lentil, a field experiment was conducted at the Agronomic field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, during rabi season from November 2019 to March 2020. Treatments consisted of two biofertilizer levels: (i) B0 = control and (ii) B1 = Biofertilizer (Rhizobium) with five combinations of phosphetic and potassic fertilizer: (i) F0 = No use of P + K fertilizer (control), (ii) F1 = 25% less than recommended dose of P + K, (iii) F2

= recommended dose of P + K, (iv) F3 = 25% higher than recommended dose of P + K and (v) F4 = 50% higher than recommended dose of P + K. The experiment was conducted in two factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Growth and yield parameters like plant height, no. of branch plant^-1, nodule no. plant^-1, dry weight plant^-1, pods plant^-1, 1000-seed weight, grain yield, stover yield, biological yield etc. were collected from this experiment. Data were analyzed by Statistix-10 software. Result revealed that biofertilizer treated plot B1 (Biofertilizer) was found to be superior in producing maximum plant height, branches plant^-1, dry weight plant^-1, nodule no. plant^-1, pods plant^-1, grain yield and biological yield of lentil. On the other hand, P+K fertilizer at 50% higher than recommended dose (F4) gave highest yield, plant height, branches plant^-1, dry weight plant^-1, nodules no. plant^-1, pods plant^-1, 1000-seed weight, grain yield, stover yield and biological yield. In case of interaction, B1F4 was found to be superior in producing maximum yield and yield components like pods plant^-1 (71.39), 1000-seed weight (24.97 g), grain yield (2773.20 kg ha^-1), stover yield (2985.40 kg ha^-1) and biological yield (5758.60 kg ha^-1) which was statistically similar with B1F2 and B1F3 interactions. It can be concluded that the interaction of biofertilizer with 90 kg ha^-1 phosphorus fertilizer and 35 kg ha^-1 potassium fertilizer (B1F2) would be recommended for optimum yield of lentil (Binamasur-8).

(7)

LIST OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

NO.

ACKNOWLEDEMENTS I

ABSTRACT II

TABLE OF CONTENTS III-VI

LIST OF TABLES VII

LIST OF FIGURES VIII-IX

LIST OF PLATES X

LIST OF APPENDICES XI

ABBREBRIATIONS XII

I INTRODUCTION 1-4

II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 5-14

III MATERIALS AND METHODS 15-24

3.1 Experimental sites 15

3.2 Climatic conditions 15

3.3 Characteristics of soil 16

3.4 Experimental materials 16

3.4.1 Planting materials 16

3.4.2 Description of crop: Binamasur-8 16 3.4.3 Treatments of the experiment 17

3.5 Crop management 18

3.5.1 Seed collection 18

3.5.2 Collection and preparation of initial soil

sample 18

3.5.3 Preparation of experimental land 18

3.5.4 Fertilizer application 18

3.5.5 Seed sowing 19

3.5.6 Intercultural operations 19

3.5.6.1 Thinning 19

III

(8)

LIST OF CONTENTS (Continued)

NO.

3.5.6.2 Weeding 19

3.5.6.3 Application of irrigation water 19

3.5.6.4 Drainage 19

3.5.6.5 Plant protection measures 20

3.5.7 Harvesting and postharvest operation 20

3.6 Data recording 20

3.7 Details of data collection 21

3.7.1 Plant height (cm) 21

3.7.2 Branch number plant^-1 21

3.7.3 Nodules number plant^-1 21

3.7.4 Dry weight plant^-1 (g) 21

3.7.5 Pods number plant^-1 22

3.7.6 1000-seed weight (g) 22

3.7.7 Grain yield (kg ha^-1) 22

3.7.8 Stover yield (kg ha^-1) 22

3.7.9 Biological yield (kg ha^-1) 22

3.7.10 Harvest index (%) 22

3.7.11 Statistical Analysis 23

IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 25-52

4.1 Growth parameters 25

4.1.1 Plant height (cm)

25 4.1.1.1 Effect of biofertilizer

25 4.1.1.2 Effect of phosphorous and potassium

26 4.1.1.3 Interaction effect of biofertilizer and

phosphorous + Potassium

28 4.1.2 Branch number plant^-1

29 IV

(9)

NO.

4.1.2.2 Effect of phosphorous + potassium 30 4.1.2.3 Interaction effect of biofertilizer and

phosphorous + potassium 31

4.1.3 Nodules number plant^-1

32 4.1.3.2 Effect of phosphorous + potassium

4.1.4 Dry weight plant^-1 (g)

35 4.1.4.2 Effect of phosphorous + potassium

4.2.1 Pods number plant^-1 38

4.2.1.1 Effect of biofertilizer 38

4.2.2 1000-seed weight (g) 41

4.2.3 Grain yield (kg ha^-1) 44

V

(10)

NO.

phosphorus + potassium 46

4.2.4 Stover yield (kg ha^-1) 47

4.2.5 Biological yield (kg ha^-1) 49

4.2.6 Harvest index (%) 51

V 5.1 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 53-55

REFERENCES 56-65

APPENDICES 66-72

VI

(11)

VII

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE

NO. TITLE PAGE

NO.

1 Interaction effect of biofertilizer and different level of P + K fertilizer on plant height of lentil at different days

after sowing (DAS) 29

2 Interaction effect of biofertilizer and different level of P + K fertilizer on branch number plant^-1 of lentil at different days after sowing (DAS)

32

3 Interaction effect of biofertilizer and different level of P + K fertilizer on nodules number plant^-1 of lentil at different days after sowing

35

4 Interaction effect of biofertilizer and different level of P + K fertilizer on dry weight (g) of lentil at different days after sowing

38

5 Interaction effect of biofertilizer and P + K on number of pods number plant^-1 and 1000-seed weight (g) of lentil

41

6 Interaction effect of biofertilizer and P + K on grain yield, stover yield, biological yield and harvest index of lentil

46

(12)

VIII

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE

NO.

1 Layout of the experiment 24

2 Effect of biofertilizer on plant height of lentil at different days after sowing

26

3 Effect of different levels (P+K) fertilizers on plant height of lentil at different days after sowing

27

4 Effect of biofertilizer on branch plant^-1 of lentil at different days after sowing

30 5 Effect of different levels (P+K) fertilizers on number of

branch plant^-1 of lentil at different days after sowing

31

6 Effect of biofertilizer on nodules number plant^-1 of lentil at different days after sowing

33

7 Effect of different levels (P+K) fertilizers on nodules number plant^-1 of lentil at different days after sowing

34

8 Effect of biofertilizer on dry weight (gm) of lentil at different days after sowing

36

9 Effect of different levels (P+K) fertilizers on dry weight (gm) of lentil at different days after sowing

37

10 Effect of biofertilizer on pods plant^-1 of lentil 39 11 Effect of different levels of P + K on pods number plant^-1

of lentil

40

12 Effect of biofertilizer on 1000-seed weight of lentil 42 13 Effect of different levels of P + K on 1000-seed weight of

lentil

43

14 Effect of biofertilizer on grain yield (kg ha^-1) of lentil 44 15 Effect of different levels of P + K on grain yield of lentil 45 16 Effect of biofertilizer on stover yield (kg ha^-1) of lentil 47

(13)

IX

17 Effect of different levels of P + K on stover yield (kg ha^-

1) of lentil

48

18 Effect of biofertilizer on biological yield (kg ha^-1) of lentil 49 19 Effect of different levels of P + K on biological yield of

lentil

50

20 Effect of biofertilizer on harvest index (%) of lentil 51 21 Effect of different levels of P + K on harvest index of lentil 52

(14)

X

LIST OF PLATES PLATE

NO.

TITLE PAGE NO.

1 Plate 1. Pictorial presentation of the experiment : (a) Seedling germination; (b) View of the experimental field;

(c) Loosening the soil

73

2 Plate 2. Pictorial presentation of the experiment : (d) Weeding; (e) Irrigation at 30 DAS; (f) Netting of the experimental field

74

3 Plate 3. Pictorial presentation of the experiment : (g) Flowering of Binamasur-8; (h) Pod formation; (i) Data collection

75

4 Plate 4. Pictorial presentation of the experiment : (j) Sineboard of the experimental field; (k) Grain of Binamasur-8 variety

76

(15)

XI

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX

NO.

I Agro-Ecological Zone of Bangladesh showing the experimental location

66

II Soil characteristics of Agronomy Field of Sher-e- Bangla Agricultural University are analysed by Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI), Farmgate, Dhaka

67

II(A) Morphological characteristics of the experiment field 67 II(B) Physical and chemical properties of the initial soil 68

III Monthly record of air temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and sunshine hour of the experimental site during the period from November, 2019 to March, 2020

69

IV Analysis of variance for plant height (cm) at different days after sowing of lentil

70

V Analysis of variance for branch number plant^-1 at different days after sowing of lentil

70

VI Analysis of variance for nodule number plant^-1 at different days after sowing of lentil

71

VII Analysis of variance for the dry weight plant^-1 (g) at different days after sowing of lentil

71

VIII Analysis of variance for the data of pods number plant^-1, 1000-seed weight (g), grain yield (kg ha^-1) of lentil

72

IX Analysis of variance for the data of stover yield (kg ha^-1), biological yield (kg ha^-1), harvest index (%) of lentil

72

(16)

XII

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACCRONYMS

AEZ = Agro-ecological Zone Agric. = Agricultural

Agro. = Agronomy

ANOVA = Analysis of Variance

BARI = Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute Biol. = Biology

CV = Coefficient Variance DAS = Days after Sowing

EPB = Export Promotion Bureau et al. = And others

GDP = Gross Domestic Product Intl. = International

J. = Journal

LSD = Least Significance Difference mm = Millimeter

RCBD = Randomized Complete Blocked Design Res. = Research

SAU = Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Sci. = Science

SRDI = Soil Resource Development Institute Technol. = Technology

Viz. = Namely

(17)

1

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) is one of the most important pulse crops in Bangladesh to meet up the protein shortage for ever rising population. It belongs to the sub family Papilionaceae under the family Fabaceae which is a nutritious food legume. It is popularly known as Masur in South Asia as well as in Bangladesh and have been grown as an important food source for over 8,000 years (Dhuppar et al., 2012). It employs a unique position in the world of agriculture by the excellence of its high protein content and capacity of fixing atmospheric nitrogen. In economically developing countries like Bangladesh, pulse generates the major intensified source of beneficial protein. The primary product of the cultivated lentil is the seed, which is available human food product. Lentil seed contains 25% protein, 1.1% fat, 59% carbohydrate, and is also rich in important vitamins, minerals, and soluble and insoluble dietary fiber (Islam et al., 2018). The stover of the plants along with the husk popularly known as bhushi is highly protein concentrated feed to cattle, horse and sheep etc.

(Tomar et al., 2000). It helps to improve the soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation (Quddus et al., 2014). Among pulse crops, lentil crop covers 40.09 per cent of the total area of pulses and the total production of lentil during 2018-2019 was 193327 tons from an area of 142421 hectares with an average yield of 1.3574 ton ha^-1 in Bangladesh (BBS, 2019). Faridpur, Jessore, Khustia, Pabna, and Rajshahi are the major lentil growing area in the country. In Bangladesh, lentil ranks second in acreage and production but ranks first in market price.

Improved variety and intensive cropping followed by imbalanced use of fertilizers make the soils deficient in nutrients and thus the crops grown on such soils show mineral deficiencies. There is a wrong conception among the farmers that lentil being a leguminous crop does not need any nutrition. Farmers

(18)

2

conventionally grow lentil without any fertilizer. The average yield of lentil in Bangladesh is low (752 kg ha^-1) due to non-judicious use of manures and fertilizers (Zahan et al., 2009). Nutrient application is essential to improve growth and yield of lentil (Singh et al., 2010; Singh et al., 2011). Due to intensive cropping systems, soils are becoming deficient in macro as well as micro nutrients. The organic matter content in the soil is declining which also affects the soil microflora. Hence the logical alternative is to increase the usage of organic manures and biofertilizers. Lentil is known to respond to applications of nutrients (Singh et al., 2005) and Rhizobium inoculation (Singh et al., 2005).

Akhtar et al. (2010) reported that the use of Rhizobium spp. resulted in greater increase in plant growth, number of pods and nodulation and reducing wilting.

Khanna et al. (2006) observed that Rhizobium inoculation increased the number (30/plant) and dry weight (57 mg plant^-1) of nodules over the uninoculated control (25/plant and 48 mg/plant).

Proper dose in fertilization is an essential factor to maximize pulse production in Bangladesh soil. Phosphorus fertilizers play a vital role in enhancing the production of pulse crops and thereby reducing the protein deficit in the country (Saikia et al., 2008). Phosphorus is a vital macro element for growth of legumes.

Phosphorus (P) is a non-renewable and second most important macronutrient which is required for young tissues and performs several functions related to growth, development and metabolism of the plant and also regulates many metabolic activities of the plant life. Phosphorus increases the hardiness of the crop and an adequate supply of phosphorus results in rapid growth (Singh and Singh, 2016). Phosphorus is the key element for successful pulse production because it is involved in root development, stalk and stem strength, flower and seed formation, crop maturity and production, N-fixation, crop quality and resistance to plant diseases by enhancing the physiological functions. It plays an important role to stimulate biological activities like nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and nutrient uptake in soil and rhizosphere environment resulting in a higher yield of legume crops (Khanam et al., 2016). The effect of phosphorus fertilization was significant on the number of pods plant^-1 and grain yield (Singh

(19)

3

et al., 2003). The optimum phosphorus application enhances the yield attributes such as the number of pods plant^-1, grains pod^-1 and 1000-seed weight, resulting in high production (Singh and Singh, 2016). It has a crucial role in root nodule formation and nitrogen fixation (Sepetoglu, 2002). In vegetative growth stage of lentil, phosphorus is needed between 0.3 to 0.5 percent dry weights of plant.

Phosphorus deficiency lowers the number of flowers and delayed flowers formation (Khaladberin and Slamzadeh, 2006). Adding phosphates to the soil increase yield of legumes.

Among the macro nutrients, phosphorus application contributes immensely for increasing the yield of legumes. Phosphorus application (Togey et al., 2008;

Singh and Singh, 2016) and Rhizobium inoculation (Iqbal et al., 2012) are known to influence plant growth and productivity of lentil.

Phosphorus has a great influence on the yield of pulse crops and also on plant dry matter content. On account of balanced phosphorus application in a crop field, yield can be maximized and nutrient content of seeds can be enhanced (Davaria et al., 2005). Using of 50-60 kg P ha^-1 maximizes the yield of legume significantly (Oguz, 2004). The main component of seed yield is number of filled pods that are influenced by the amount of fertilizer placed. Application of 20-80 kg P/ha^-1 in combination with 40 kg N ha^-1 increased the number of filled pods of lentil (Ahmadpour et al., 1994).

Potassium is also a foundation element involved in various functions in growth and metabolism of pulses. It is identified as a major nutrient, meaning that it is frequently deficient for crop production and required by crops in relatively large amounts. Pulse crops showed up yield benefits from potassium application.

Advanced potassium supply also enhances biological nitrogen fixation and protein content of pulse grains (Srinivasarao et al., 2003). The reservoir of phosphorus and potassium to leguminous crops is necessary especially at the flowering and pod setting stages (Zahran et al., 1998).

Therefore, there was a need to study the effect of integrated use of inorganic nutrition and biofertilizers on the production of lentil. The present study was

(20)

4

undertaken to evaluate the effect of phosphorus, potassium and biofertilizers on the growth a yield of lentil. By keeping the above informations the present research was undertaken with the following objectives:

1. To inspect the influence of biofertilizer on growth and yield of lentil, 2. to select the suitable dose of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer for

maximum yield of lentil, and

3. to investigate the combined effect of biofertilizer, phosphorus and potassium on growth and yield of lentil.

(21)

5

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

An attempt was made in this section to collect and study the relevant information available in the country and abroad regarding the influence of Biofertilizer, nitrogen and phosphorous on nodulation, growth and yield of Lentil to gather knowledge helpful in conducting the present research work and subsequently writing up the result and discussion.

2.1. Effect of biofertilizer on nodulation, growth and yield

Biofertilizers are gaining importance as they are ecofriendly, non-hazardous and non-toxic. A substantial number of bacterial species, mostly those associated with the plant rhizosphere, may exert a beneficial effect upon plant growth.

Biofertilizers include mainly the nitrogen fixing, phosphate solubilizing and plant growth promoting micro-organism. Inoculating pulse crops with rhizobia to add nitrogen is routine for most growers. The presence of efficient and specific strains of Rhizobium in the rhizosphere is one of the most important requirements for proper establishment and growth of grain legume plant.

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria partly solubilizes inorganic and insoluble phosphate and improves applied phosphorus use efficiency stimulating plant growth by providing hormone, vitamin and other growth promoting substances (Gyaneshwar et al., 2002).

Singh et al., (2007) reported that the application of biofertilizers, micronutrients and RDF enhanced the plant height appreciably at harvest stages. Increase in plant height might be attributed to the fact that the better nourishment causes beneficial effects such as accelerated rate of photosynthesis, assimilation, cell division and vegetative growth.

(22)

6

Ansari et al. (2015) conducted a study to evaluate the effect of biofertilizers viz.

Rhizobium, PSB and VAM in lentil (Lens culinaris L.) crop, in the department of microbiology. In this experiment five treatment were taken as Un-inoculated (T1), Rhizobium (T2), PSB + Rhizobium (T3), VAM + Rhizobium (T4) and Rhizobium + PSB + VAM (T5). The experiment was carried out during Rabi 2010 in 2.0 m² plot size at pot culture house of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The result of this study revealed that the maximum active nodulation at 30, 60 and 90 days (8.80 13.50 and 5.00), test weight (32 g/1000 seeds), grain yield (23.8 g microplot^-1) and straw yield (26.20 g microplot^-1) was found in Rhizobium + PSB + VAM (T5) fallowed by PSB + Rhizobium (T3), VAM + Rhizobium (T4) and Rhizobium (T2) whereas minimum was noticed Un-inoculated (T1) microplot. It was recommended that interactive use of Rhizobium + PSB + VAM significantly affected to the biological yield of lentil crop.

Dhingra et al. (1988) results revealed that the interactions between phosphorus and Rhizobium inoculation was significantly in 3 out of 5 years, indicating that the combination of Rhizobium and 20 kg P2O5 ha^-1 gave yield equivalent to 40 kg P2O5 ha^-1 without Rhizobium.

Gupta and Sharma (1992) reported from the result of an experiment that yield of lentil 0.87 - 1.30 t ha^-1 with 0 - 32 kg phosphorus and no inoculation, and 0.89 - 1.68 t ha^-1 with 0 – 32 kg phosphorus and inoculation. Seeds protein content increased with application of phosphorus and inoculation.

Rajput and Kushwah (2005) studied that the application of bio-fertilizer on production of pea. On the basis of three years pooled data, the highest yield was recorded with the application or recommended doses of fertilizer followed by soil application of bio-fertilizer mixed 25 kg FYM along with 50%

recommended dose of fertilizer and were at par statistically. So the use of biofertilizer saved 50% N, P (10 kg N, 25 kg P2O5). It also saved the financial resource as well as FYM.

(23)

7

Sharma and Sharma (2004) determined the effects of P (0, 20 and 40 kg ha^-1), potassium (0 or 20 kg ha^-1) and Rhizobium inoculation on the growth and yield of lentil cv. L-4147. The mean number of branches, nodules and pods plant^-1; 100-seed weight and seed yield were highest with the application of 40 kg P ha^-1, whereas mean plant height and plant stand row length were highest with the application of 20 kg P ha^-1. Application of K resulted in the increase in number of branches and pods plant^-1 and seed yield, whereas inoculation with Rhizobium increased the mean plant height; number of branches, nodules and pods plant^-1, 100-seed weight and seed yield.

Hossain and Suman (2005) carried out an experiment to evaluate the effect of Azotobacter, Rhizobium and different levels of urea N on growth, yield and N- uptake of lentil. Among the treatments Azotobacter plus Rhizobium inoculation had significant effect on nodule formation, plant height, number of seeds, seed and stover yields, compared to uninoculated controls. The highest seed yield was recorded for the treatment Azotobacter+Rhizobium that was statistically similar to that of 100% N and Rhizobium with the corresponding yields of 1533 and 1458 kg ha^-1, respectively. The dual inoculation of Azotobacter and Rhizobium significantly influenced all the crop characters including N contents, N uptake by seed and shoot as well as protein content of seed. The highest N-uptake by seed (78.61 kg ha^-1) was recorded for the treatment Azotobacter+Rhizobium and N-uptake by shoot (53.87 kg ha^-1) was recorded for the treatment 100% N. The performances of Azotobacter or Rhizobium alone were not as good as Azotobacter+Rhizobium in most cases. Therefore, inoculation of both Azotobacter and Rhizobium together may be a good practice to achieve higher seed yield of lentil.

Kumar and Uppar (2007) conducted a field experiment to evaluate the effects of organic manures, biofertilizers, micronutrients and plant growth regulators on the seed yield and quality of mothbean. RDF + FYM @ 10 t ha^-1 recorded the highest values for the different seed yield and quality attributes of mothbean.

(24)

8

2.2. Nitrogen fixation and Rhizobium inoculation on lentil

Lentil is a legume and fulfils most of its N requirement through atmospheric N2

fixation with the symbiotic help of rhizobia living in its root nodules. Generally, the level of N2 fixation in legumes depends on host genotypes, rhizobial strains, environment and their interactions. Lentil cultivars have shown genetic variability in their ability to symbiotically fix N2 (Rennie and Dubetz, 1986), therefore genotypes with high N2 fixation and high seed yield are desirable for sustainable agriculture. Kurdali et al. (1997) carried out a field experiment to assess the source of nitrogen (N2 fixation, soil and fertilizer), N assimilation, partitioning and mobilization in rainfed lentil at various growth stages using ¹⁵N2

isotopic dilution.

Nitrogen for developing pods can be supplied from soil, atmospheric N2, and from the mobilization of existing N in plant tissues. The relative importance of these sources depends on several factors including plant species, genotype, drought stress, plant and soil N status, and N2 fixation ability (Kurdali et al., 1997). Grain legumes respond most strongly to inoculation when they are introduced into new areas where soils lack appropriate rhizobia (Van Kessel and Hartley, 2000). There is presumably a yield advantage to crop inoculation in soils with inadequate inorganic N supply. However, the yield response to inoculation was highly variable and affected by inherent field variability, and by differences in environmental and edaphic conditions (Van Kessel and Hartley, 2000).

Effective indigenous strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viceae are lacking in most prairie soils, and therefore inoculation is essential to ensure adequate nodulation and N fixation for maximum yields (Bremer et al., 1988).

When chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and lentil were introduced to North America, both crops responded strongly to inoculation. In subsequent years, and as the resident population of effective rhizobia in soils increased, N2 fixation remained significant but responses to further inoculation diminished (Bremer et al., 1989).

Mengel (1994) concluded that nitrogenase activity is a flexible process that adjusts to the N demand of the host. The amount of N2 fixed becomes much more

(25)

9

dependent on the demand of N by the host than on the intrinsic capacity of the rhizobia to fix N.

2.3. Effect of phosphorus on nodulation, growth and yield

To study the influence of biofertilizer, nitrogen and phosphorous on nodulation, growth and yield of lentil a field experiment was conducted at the central farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, during rabi season from November 2016 to March 2017. Treatments consisted of two biofertilizer levels:

(i) control and (ii) Biofertilizer (Rhizobium) with six combinations of nitrogenous and phosphetic fertilizer: (i) No nitrogen + phosphorous fertilizer (control), (ii) 50% less of recommended N + P, (iii) 25% less of recommended N + P, (iv) recommended N + P, (v) 25% higher of recommended N + P and (vi) 50% higher of recommended N + P. The experiment was conducted in two factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Growth and yield parameters like plant height, no. of branch plant^-1, nodule count, dry weight plant^-1, pods plant^-1, thousand seed weight, grain yield, stover yield, biological yield etc. were collected from that experiment. Data were analyzed by MSTAT-C software. The significance of difference among the treatment means was estimated by the Least Significance Difference (LSD) at 5% level of probability. Result revealed that biofertilizer treated plot B1 (Biofertilizer) was found superior in producing maximum plant height, branches plant^-1, dry weight plant^-1, nodule plant^-1, pods plant^-1, seed yield and biological yield of lentil. On the other hand, N+P fertilizer at recommended dose (F3) gave highest yield, plant height, branches plant^-1, dry weight plant^-1, nodules plant^-1, pods plant^-1, 1000 seed weight (20.73 g), seed yield, stover yield, and biological yield. In case of interaction, B1F3 was found superior in producing maximum yield and yield components like pods plant^-1 (68.40), 1000 seed weight (20.98 g), seed yield (2562.40 kg ha^-1), stover yield (2396.80 kg ha^-1), biological yield (4959.20 kg ha^-1). From the result of the study, it was revealed that the application of

(26)

10

biofertilizer and recommended N + P combination had a positive impact on lentil (BARI Mosur-6) (Chowdhury, 2017).

Increment in plant height might be due to the stimulation of biological activities in the presence of a balanced supply of phosphorus. Barua et al. (2011) and Datta et al. (2013) reported that the increased plant height with an increased level of phosphorus application have also been reported by other researchers.

The number of effective branches plant^-1 is one of the most important yield contributing characters in lentil. Effective branches plant^-1 was significantly influenced by different levels of phosphorus applications. Patil et al. (2003) and Hussain et al. (2002) reported that effective branches plant^-1 varied with different levels of P.

Datta et al. (2013) observed that numbers of nodule production in lentil increase with the increasing the phosphorus level. The symbiotic parameters i.e.

nodulation, nodule dry weight, and leghaemoglobin content are positively influenced by phosphorus application (Rashid et al., 2018). So, proper application of P to lentil facilitates the earlier formation of nodules, increasing their numbers which enhances the nitrogen fixation (Gahoonia et al., 2006).

Thus, P increases the yield of lentil by stimulating physiological functions and root development that improve nodulation (Sharma and Sharma, 2004). The increasing dose of P from 20 to 60 kg P2O5 ha^-1 increased the nodules and their dry weight per plant (Jindal et al., 2008). The number of nodules per plant declined at the highest dose (80 kg ha^-1) of P (Rasheed et al., 2010).

The number of seeds pod^-1 is also an important yield contributing parameter which has a great effect on final yield. It was observed that the phosphorus had a significant effect on number of seeds pod^-1. The used plant materials are the modern variety of lentils in Bangladesh therefore variation was mainly due to application of different phosphorus levels. Hussain et al. (2002) reported that the number of seed pod^-1 varied greatly with varieties in lentil. Zeidan (2007) reported that increasing phosphorus levels from 0 to 60 kg increased seeds pod^-

1. The numbers of seeds pod^-1 are enhanced with a successive increase in P levels

(27)

11

from 20 to 40 and 60 kg ha^-1 (Choubey et al., 2013). The increment in P accumulates the photosynthesis from growing organs to seeds leading to make them plump and bold, thus affect the seed size and weight. Hence, seeds pod^-1 can be improved by superior P fertilization.

Phosphorus plays a major role in many plant processes, including storing and transfer of energy; stimulation of root growth, flowering, fruiting and seed formation; nodule development and N2 fixation (Mclaren and Cameron, 1996;

Ali et al., 1997).

Total P in Saskatchewan soils ranges from about 400 to 2200 kg ha^-1 in the top 15 cm of soil, but only a very small amount of the total P is available to the crop during a growing season (Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, 2006).

Although crops can sometimes be grown for a few years without adding P fertilizer, yields sooner or later begin to decline. Phosphorous is relatively immobile (moves very little) in the soil. Most crops recover only 10 to 30% of the P in fertilizer the first year following application (Havlin et al., 2005).

Recovery varies widely depending on soil type and conditions, the crop grown and application method. However, Saskatchewan research has shown 9 that the newly formed soil P reaction products are more plant available than the native soil P minerals and crops can continue to recover fertilizer P for several years after application (Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, 2006).

Granular monoammonium phosphate (MAP) (12-51-0 or 11-55-0) is the most common P fertilizer used in Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, 2006). Lentils are sensitive to high rates of P fertilizer placed directly in the seed rows. Research conducted over a three-year-period indicated that increasing rates of seed-placed MAP (11-55-0) resulted in reduced stands of lentil but high yield per plant as compared to side-banded P application (McVicar et al., 2010). Lentil has a relatively high requirement for phosphorus to promote development of its extensive root systems and vigorous seedlings; and may benefit from improved frost, disease, and drought tolerance because of P application (McVicar et al., 2010). Bremer et al. (1989) reported that P response

(28)

12

is more prevalent in the Black soils, which had the most favorable growing conditions and lowest available soil P levels, than in Brown or Dark Brown soils of Saskatchewan.

Khan et al. (1990) found that application of P showed significant favorable effect only on pod number and pod yield of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

Azad et al. (1991) reported that response of 4 levels of P viz. 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha^-1 on grain yield of lentil The grain yield of lentil increased significantly at all levels of P application over control. The response of P application over control increased content of soi1 P.

2.4. Effect of potassium on nodulation, growth and yield

Quddus et al. (2019) conducted an experiment in the research field of Pulses Research Sub-Station, BARI, Gazipur during two consecutive years of 2015-16 and 2016-17 to determine the suitable dose of potassium for achieving higher yield attributes, nodulation, nutrient concentration and yield maximization of lentil. There were 5 treatments viz. T1 = Control, T2 = 30 kg K ha^-1, T3= 40 kg K ha^-1, T4= 50 kg K ha^-1 and T5= 60 kg K ha^-1 along with the blanket dose of fertilizers of N, P, S, Zn and B @ 15, 20, 10, 2 and 1.5 kg ha^-1, respectively for all treatments. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that the highest seed yield (1092 kg ha^-1) of lentil (mean of two years) was found in T4 followed by T5

treatment and the lowest (736 kg ha^-1) was noted in K control (T1) treatment. The highest % yield increase over control (48.3%) was recorded from T4 treatment.

The maximum nodulation was found in T5 followed by T4 treatment. The highest protein (26.9%), N, P, K, S, Zn and B concentrations of lentil seed were recorded in T4 treatment. Therefore, the results suggest that the appliction of 50 kg K ha^-1 along with N15P20S10Zn2B1.5 kg ha^-1 are optimum for achieving higher yield potential of lentil in terrace soils of Bangladesh.

(29)

13

Potassium (K), as a plant nutrient, is becoming increasingly important in Bangladesh and shows a good response to pulse crop. Potassium improves plant water relationship and improves shoot growth of pulse crop (Kabir et al., 2004).

It maintains turgor pressure of cell which is necessary for cell expansion. It helps in osmo-regulation of plant cell, assists in opening and closing of stomata (Yang et al., 2004). Potassium nutrition is associated with the nodulation and grain quality and protein content (Srinivasarao et al., 2003). It also helps improve disease resistance, drought stress, tolerance to water stress, winter hardiness, tolerance to plant pests and uptake efficiency of other nutrients (Gupta et al., 2013). Considering its nutritional value; it is necessary to uplift the production level and nutritional quality of lentil. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to find out the suitable dose of K for yield maximization of lentil.

Regarding potassium fertilizers, adequate K supply enhances the biological nitrogen (N) fixation and increases the pulse crops pest resistance and improve the seed yield and quality; the status of potassium in soils depends on soil texture, nutrient, and agricultural practices (Srinivasarao et al., 2003). In intensive cropping systems, considerable amount of potassium is depleted that need to be addressed. Increasing of the legumes yield and yield components (number of branches, pods and seeds) by potassium fertilizer has been reported by numerous researchers.

Jahan et al. (2009) reported that 34.2% grain yield increase of lentil over control was obtained by the application of 42 kg K2O ha^-1. While the plant dry weight was not affected; they also stated that the highest number of nodules plant^-1 was obtained when potassium fertilizer was applied at a rate of 15 kg ha^-1 compared to control or high levels of potassium. Sahay et al. (2013) reported that grain yield of lentil increased with increase in K level up to 90 kg K2O ha^-1. ElBramawy & Shaban (2010) also noticed significant increases for the most of growth and yield characters of broadbean crop by the application of potassium fertilizer.

(30)

14

Sahay et al. (2013) who noted that the highest protein content (22.01%) in lentil grain was obtained by fertilization of 90 kg K2O ha^-1.

Improvement in yield due to combined application of inorganic fertilizer and organic manure might be attributed to control release of nutrients in the soil through mineralization of organic manure which might have facilitated better crop growth and yield (Verma et al., 2017).

(31)

15

CHAPTER III

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A field experiment was accomplished at the Agronomy field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh during the period from November, 2019 to March, 2020 to observe the influence of biofertilizer, phosphorus and potassium to lentil. This chapter contains a brief description of location of the experimental site, climatic condition and soil, materials used for the experiment, treatment and design of the experiment, production methodology, intercultural operations, data collection procedure and statistical and economic analysis etc. which are presented as following headings:

3.1 Experimental sites

The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy field, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, during the period from November, 2019 to March, 2020 to study the performance of lentil to different doses of biofertilizer, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers application. The location of the site is 23°74' N latitude and 90°35' E longitudes with an elevation of 8.2 meter from sea level (Anon., 1989) in Agro-Ecological Zone of Madhupur Tract (AEZ No.

28).

3.2 Climatic conditions

The experiment site was located in the sub-tropical monsoon climatic zone, set aparted by heavy rainfall during the months from April to September (Kharif season) and scanty of rainfall during the rest of the year (Rabi season). Besides, under the sub-tropical climatic, which is individualized by high temperature, high humidity and heavy precipitation with seasonal unexpected winds and relatively long in Kharif season (April-September) and sufficient sunlight with moderately low temperature, intensity of humidity and short day period of during

(32)

16

Rabi season (October-March). The information of weather concerning the atmospheric temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, sunshine hours and soil temperature persuaded at the experimental site during the whole period of observation (Appendix III).

3.3 Characteristics of soil

The experimental soil belongs to the Modhupur Tract under AEZ No. 28 (UNDP-FAO, 1988). The land which selected was medium high, shallow red brown terrace soils and the soil series was Tejgaon. The soil characteristics of experimental plot were analyzed in the SRDI, Soil Testing Laboratory, Khamarbari, Dhaka and the experiment field primarily had a pH range from 5.6- 6.5 and had organic matter 1.10-1.99%.

3.4 Experimental materials 3.4.1 Planting material

Lentil variety Binamasur-8 was used in this experiment as planting material.

3.4.2 Description of crop: Binamasur-8

Lentil variety Binamasur-8 was used as experimental material. It was developed by Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Binamasur-8 is erect and medium saturated and bushy cultivar. The average plant height of the variety is 35-40 cm. The base of the plant is light green in color. The leaves are dark green and broad leaflets with tendrils. Flowers are purple in color, the pods and leaves turn straw color during maturity stage.

Seed color is deep brownish and cotyledons are bright orange. It has a 1000 seed weight of 23-25 g. The duration of this crop is 95-100 days. Its yield is 2200- 2400 kg ha^-1. It is resistant to rust and stemphylium blight and tolerant to foot rot and moderately resistant to aphid.

(33)

17 3.4.3 Treatments of the experiment

The experiment was conducted to detect the performance of mentioned lentil variety to biofertilizer, phosphorus and potassium on growth, yield and quality attributes. There were two factors in this experiment. They were as follows:

Factor A: Biofertilizer (2)

(a) B0 = No use of Biofertilizer (control)

(b) B1 = Biofertilizer (50 gm per 2.5 kg of seeds)

Factor B: Rates of Phosphorus (P) + Potassium (K) (5) (a) F0 = No use of P + K (control)

(b) F1 = 25% less than recommended dose of P + K

(c) F2 = Recommended dose of P (90 kg ha^-1) + K (35 kg ha^-1) (d) F3 = 25% higher than recommended dose of P + K

(e) F4 = 50% higher than recommended dose of P + K

The phosthatic (P) and potassic (K) fertilizers were applied in the form of triple super phosphate (TSP) and muriate of potash (MOP). The rate of the TSP, MOP and other fertilizers has been presented in section 3.5.4.

Treatment combination

B0F0, B0F1, B0F2, B0F3, B0F4, B1F0, B1F1, B1F2, B1F3, B1F4.

Experimental design: Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)

Number of replication: 3

Total number of plots: 30

(34)

18 Plot size:

The individual plot size was 2.5 m x 1.7 m with inter plot and block spacing of 0.25 m and 0.75 m, respectively.

3.5 Crop management 3.5.1 Seed collection

The genetically pure and healthy seeds of Binamasur-8 were collected from Pulses Research Centre, Ishurdi, Pabna.

3.5.2 Collection and preparation of initial soil sample

The soil sample of the experimental field was collected before fertilizer application. The initial soil samples were collected before land preparation from a 0-15 cm soil depth. The samples were collected by an auger from different location covering the whole experimental plot and mixed thoroughly to make a composite sample. After collection of soil samples, the plant roots, leaves etc.

were removed. Then the samples were air-dried and sieved through a 10-mesh sieve and stored in a clean plastic container for physical and chemical analysis.

3.5.3 Preparation of experimental land

A pre-sowing irrigation was given on 7^th November, 2019. After that with the help of a tractor drawn disc harrow the land was opened, then ploughed with rotary plough twice followed by laddering to achieve a medium tilth required for the crop under consideration. All weeds and other plant residues of previous crop were removed from the field. Immediately after final land preparation, the field layout was made on November 14, 2019 according to experimental specification.

Individual plots were cleaned and finally prepared the plot.

3.5.4 Fertilizer application

The recommended chemical fertilizer dose was 35, 90, 35, 25 and 3 kg ha^-1 of Urea, TSP, MOP, Gypsum and Zinc, respectively. After making plots, all the fertilizers according to the treatment with half of urea were applied by

(35)

19

broadcasting and was mixed with soil thoroughly at the time of final land preparation. The rest half of urea was applied on later stage as basal dose.

3.5.5 Seed sowing

Lentil seeds were sown in the field on 14^th November, 2019. The field was labeled properly and was divided into 30 plots. The seeds of Binamasur-8 were sown by hand in 25 cm apart from lines with continuous spacing at about 3 cm depth at the rate of 40 g plot^-1 on 14^thNovember, 2019.

3.5.6 Intercultural operations 3.5.6.1 Thinning

The plots were thinned out on 15 days after sowing to maintain a uniform plant stand which facilitates proper aeration and light for optimum growth and development of the crops.

3.5.6.2 Weeding

The crop was infested with some weeds during the early stage of crop establishment. Two hand weedings were done, first weeding was done at 15 days after sowing followed by second weeding at 15 days after first weeding.

3.5.6.3 Application of irrigation water

Irrigation water was added to each plot, first irrigation was done as pre-sowing and other two irrigations were given 3 days before weeding.

3.5.6.4 Drainage

Drainage channel were properly prepared to easy and quick drained out of excess water.

(36)

20 3.5.6.5 Plant protection measures

The crop was infested by insects and diseases, those were effectively and timely controlled by applying recommended insecticides and fungicides. Malathion 18 ml/L and Ripcord 20ml/L uses as protection measure.

3.5.7 Harvesting and postharvest operation

Maturity of crop was determined when 80-90% of the pods become straw color.

The harvesting of Binamasur-8 was done up to 15^th March, 2020. Five pre- selected plants per plot were harvested from which different yield attributing data were collected and 1 m² area from middle portion of each plot was separately harvested and bundled, properly tagged and then brought to the threshing floor for recording grain and straw yield data. The grains were cleaned and sun dried to a moisture content of 12%. Straw was also sun dried properly.

Finally grain and straw yields plot^-1 were determined and converted to kg ha^-1.

3.6 Data recording

Data were collected in respect of following parameters:

1. Crop growth related parameters

a. Plant height (at 30, 50, 70, 90 DAS and at harvest) b. Number of branches plant^-1 (at 30, 50, 70 and 90 DAS) c. Nodules number plant^-1 (at 50, 60, 70 and 80 DAS) d. Dry weight plant^-1 (at 30, 50, 70 and 90 DAS)

2. Yield attributing and yield parameters a. Number of pods plant^-1

b. 1000-seed weight (g) c. Grain yield (kg ha^-1) d. Stover yield (kg ha^-1) e. Biological yield (kg ha^-1) f. Harvest index (%)

(37)

21 3.7 Details of data collection

Five plants were randomely selected from each unit plot for the collection of data. The plants in the outer rows and the extreme end of the middle rows were excluded from the random selection to avoid the border effect. However, the yield of all plants was considered per plot yield. Data have been collected on the basis of two attributed like - growth related parameters, yield attributing and yield parameters.

3.7.1 Plant height (cm)

The height of 5 randomly selected plants from each plots for every treatment of all three replications was taken carefully at 30, 50, 70, 90 DAS and at harvest time. Plant height was measured from the above ground portion of the plants and average value of five plants regarded as plant height.

3.7.2 Branch number plant^-1

The branch number plant^-1 was counted carefully from 5 randomly selected plant from each plot for every treatment of all three replications. Branch number was taken at 30, 50, 70 and 90 DAS. The average number was regarded as branches plant^-1.

3.7.3 Nodules number plant^-1

The nodule number plant^-1 was counted carefully from 3 randomly selected plant from each plot for every treatment of all three replications when it became 50, 60, 70, 80 DAS. After then it was averaged.

3.7.4 Dry weight plant^-1 (g)

Five randomly selected plants from each plot were harvested after 30, 50, 70, 90 DAS. After that the plants were dried properly and weight was taken to make them average for each treatment.

(38)

22 3.7.5 Pods number plant^-1

The pods of five pre-selected plants were collected from each plot at the time of harvest and then counted total number and then averaged them to get pods plant^-1.

3.7.6 1000-seed weight (g)

Thousand seeds from of each plot were collected and their weight were taken by digital electric balance in gram.

3.7.7 Grain yield (kg ha^-1)

The yield obtained from 1 m² area in each plot was weighed and then converted into per hectare and expressed in kilograms. The grain weight was taken at 12%

moisture content of the grains.

3.7.8 Stover yield (kg ha^-1)

Stover of central 1 m² area in each plot was sun dried and then weighed. Like grain yield it was also converted in kg ha^-1.

3.7.9 Biological yield (kg ha^-1)

By adding the grain yield and stover yield biological yield was calculated.

Biological yield = Grain yield + Stover yield.

3.7.10 Harvest index

Harvest index denotes the ratio of economic yield (seed yield) to biological yield and was calculated with following formula (Donald, 1963; Gardner et al., 1985).

Harvest index (%) = Seed Yield / Biological Yield × 100

(39)

23 3.7.11 Statistical Analysis

The data recorded for different parameters were statistically analyzed using Statistix-10 computer package programme to find out the significance of variation among the treatments. Then, multiple comparisons were done by LSD at 5% level of significance (Statistix 10., 1985).

(40)

Replication I

Replication II

Replication III

B₀F₃ B0F2 B0F4

B0F4 B1F0 B1F1

B₁F₁ B0F3 B0F1

B₁F₀ B1F2 B1F3

B₀F₀ B1F3 B1F4

B₀F₂ B0F1 B1F2

B0F1 B1F1 B0F0

B₁F₄ B0F0 B1F0

B₁F₂ B1F4 B0F3

B1F3 B0F4 B0F2

24

Figure 1. Layout of the experiment 10 m

20 m

S E N

W

(41)

25

CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The present experiment was conducted to observe the influence of biofertilizer with different doses of phosphatic and potassic fertilizer on the growth, nodulation and yield of lentil. Data on different growth and yield parameters of lentil were recorded. All the crop growth related parameters, yield attributing and yield parameters data were statistically analyzed and the results are presented and discussed with the help of either table or graphs. In order to understand the effect of treatments, the ANOVA table have also been given in appendix for reference.

4.1 Growth parameters

The response of growth parameters like plant height (cm), branches plant^-1 and dry weight plant^-1 of lentil cv. Binamasur-8 following individual treatment of biofertilizer, phosphorus and potassium levels and their combinations were found statistically significant.

4.1.1 Plant height (cm) 4.1.1.1 Effect of biofertilizer

Plant height (cm) is obviously important growth parameters in lentil which is positively correlated with yield and the growing conditions significantly influenced this trait. Plant height of Binamasur-8 employed significant variation due to biofertilizer application at different growth stages (Appendix IV and Figure 2). Numerically, the values of plant height showed an increasing trend with the advance of growth stages upto 90 DAS. It was also implied from the table that biofertilizer treated plots showed higher values of plant height than untreated (control) plots for all growth stages. However, the higher plant height (15.64, 27.49, 34.65 and 38.02 cm at 30, 50, 70 and 90 DAS, respectively) was obtained

(42)

26

from the treatment B1 (Biofertilizer) and the lower plant height (14.34, 23.69, 29.56 and 33.92 cm at 30, 50, 70 and 90 DAS, respectively) was obtained from the control treatment B0 (without biofertilizer). Goswami (2003) found the efficacy of biofertilizers with nitrogen levels on growth, productivity and economy in wheat.

B0 = Control (No use of Biofertilizer); B1 = Biofertilizer

Figure 2. Effect of biofertilizer on plant height of lentil at different days after sowing (LSD.05 = 0.62, 0.57, 1.34, 1.04, and 1.49 at 30, 50, 70, 90 DAS and at harvest, respectively)

4.1.1.2 Effect of phosphorous and potassium

Different levels of P+K fertilizer exhibited significant variation on plant height of lentil at all growth stages and the results of plant height have been presented in Appendix IV and Figure 2. The figure showed that at 30 DAS the treatments F4 and F3 showed highest plant height (16.22 cm and 16.14 cm, respectively). F2

and F1 showed medium plant height (15.06 cm and 14.32 cm, respectively) in

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

30 DAS 50 DAS 70 DAS 90 DAS Harvest

Plant height (cm)

Days after sowing (DAS)

B0 B1