Response of yield and yield components of lentil cultivars (Lens culinaris L.) to foliar application of NPK chemical fertilizer under different planting dates in rain-fed conditions

The present study was carried out in order to evaluate the response of yield and yield components of lentil cultivars to foliar application of NPK chemical fertilizer under different planting dates. The double split-plot set of treatments was arranged within randomized complete block design with three replications during growing season 1400 at the Varzeqhan city with an average annual rainfall of 300 mm. The experimental factors were: Sowing date (main factor) at three levels: November 15 as an anticipated cropping, April 15 and April 30, Varieties (secondary factor) at two levels: local variety and Bilaswar variety, and treatment. Fertilizer foliar application (sub sub-factor) in two levels of control (no foliar application) and NPK chemical fertilizer foliar application (nitrogen 5%, phosphorus and potassium 25% dissolved in water at the rate of 3 kg per hectare). The results showed that foliar application increased the grain yield of local cultivars and Bilsawar by 25and 24%, respectively. In general, considering the economic importance of seed yield, the planting date of 15 November and foliar spraying of fertilizer with the combination of 75 grams per hectare of Fertilizer-2 biological fertilizer with 50 kilograms per hectare of triple superphosphate chemical fertilizer can have an effective role in increasing the yield. In this study, foliar application of NPK chemical fertilizer and planting date of November 15 with the highest number of pods, number of seeds per pod, number of seeds per plant, 100 grain weight and seed yield is recommended.