Response of pulse production to phosphorus-a review

Phosphorus is a key element involved in various functions in growth and metabolism of pulses. It is frequently a major limiting nutrient for plant growth in most Indian soils. Phosphorus deficiency is usually the key factor for seed yield of pulse crops on all soil types. Out of 135 districts under pulses, soils in 68 districts are low and 62 districts are medium in available P status. The application of P to pulse crops must be one of the most important strategy to increase productivity of pulses in India. Mainly mungbeen uptake around 24 kg P₂O₅ while chickpea and urdbean uptake around 10 kg P₂O₅. This variation among crops due to variation in the length of growing season and yield. Yield of pulses can significantly be increased by applying P on the basis of soil test information. P applied to pulses crops may yield residual effect up to a limit of 20–35 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹. The degree of response to applied P can further be improved through management viz., timely sowing, maintenance of optimum plant population, proper moisture maintenance and effective pest and weed management practices.