Effect of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on productivity, profitability and soil health in lentil (Lens culinaris) under Vertisols

A field experiment was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2005–06 to 2007–08 at Agricultural Research Station, Ummedganj, Kota to find out the best combination of inorganic and organic sources of nutrition and biofertilizers for increasing productivity, profitability and soil health in lentil Lens culinaris (L.) Medik. under Vertisols of south eastern Rajasthan. Maximum nodules/plant (27.0) and their dry weight (47.0 mg/plant) at 60 days after sowing was found 116 and 44.2% higher than absolute control. Combined application of inorganic N, P, K and S (20, 17, 16, 20 kg/ha) + vermicompost (VC) 2 t/ha significantly increased the growth, yield attributes, seed yield (1.63 t/ha) and net returns (15.1 × 10³/ha) over absolute control. It registered higher to the magnitude of 0.93 t/ha in yield and 12.14 × 10³/ha in net returns. Maximum uptake of nutrients (N, P, K and S) was recorded with N, P, K and S (20, 17, 20, 20 kg/ha) + vermicompost (VC) 2 t/ha to the tune of 138.3, 252.0, 149.1 and 196.3% over absolute control respectively. Similarly, it improved organic carbon (0.17 g/kg soil) and buildup of nutrients (N, P, K and S) to the tune of 4.7, 0.75, 11.5 and 2.9 kg/ha over initial soil fertility. The next best treatment was inorganic N, P, K and S (20-17-16-20 kg/ha) + organic FYM 5 t/ha.