Impact of Rhizobium and PSB inoculation on P-economy, symbiotic parameters and yield of lentil (Lens culinaris medikus)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2005–06 and 2006–07 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to assess the effect of Rhizobium (R.leguminosarum bv. viciae) and phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB), on symbiotic parameters and yield of lentil. Rhizobium inoculation alone significantly increased nodulation, leghaemoglobin content and plant dry weight over control, however marginal increase in nodulation and yield was recorded with PSB alone. Rhizobium inoculation along with P-fertilization showed significant increase in yield over Rhizobium alone, however, dual inoculation along with P- fertilization showed marginal increase over Rhizobium and P-application. Differences affected by P application at the rate of 40 kg or 20 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ along with single or dual inoculation on symbiotic and yield parameters was non significant.