The impact of foliage fertilization of iron and molybdenum on yield, N uptake and root nodulation of lentil (Lens Culinaris Medic) crop

A field experiment was established to study the impact of foliage fertilization of microelements (Fe and Mo) on lentil at the Agricultural Research Farm Mingora, Swat, Pakistan in 2016-17. All the treatments were assigned in random block design. The results showed that iron (Fe) and molybdenum (Mo) significantly improved the yield and quality of lentil crop. Based on the obtained results, the majority of the parameters increased with the combined application of Fe and Mo. The combined application of Fe and Mo at 500 and 100 g ha-1 produced the maximum grain yield (1361 kg ha-1), biological yield (3126 kg ha-1), 1000 grain weight (54.62 g), protein percent (30 %), N uptake (65.32 kg ha-1), Fe (48.33 mg/g) and Mo (5.07 mg/g) concentration. Results further revealed that Mo at the rate of 100 g ha-1 significantly enhanced the number of nodules (9.13 plant-1) and active nodules (8.03plant-1). These results suggested that Fe and Mo in optimal amount solely or as a blend considerably improve the growth, yield and quality of lentil crop and is therefore recommended for the better production of lentil crop in the agro-climatic condition of Swat valley.