I have never used bio-fertiliser on my masur. Is it really useful and how do I treat the seed.
Why is Rhizobium and PSB seed treatment worth it for lentil and how do I apply it?
MMahipal Singh8mo ago · 254 views
4 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓8mo ago
Rhizobium helps lentil fix atmospheric nitrogen in root nodules and PSB makes soil phosphorus more available, so the pair can improve nodulation, plant vigour and yield while cutting nitrogen fertiliser need, at very low cost. To apply, mix the recommended quantity of culture with a little jaggery or rice gruel solution, coat the seed gently in shade, dry it briefly, and sow the same day, and if you also use a fungicide seed treatment, do the fungicide first and the bio-culture last. Keep the culture cool and within its expiry. Confirm the correct strain and quantity with your KVK.
RRamveer Singh8mo ago
It is genuinely cheap insurance. On my masur the treated seed gave plants with more of the pink root nodules and a healthier green colour without me adding extra urea. For the price of one packet from the KVK the return is well worth it.
SSripal Singh8mo ago
Two things I learned the hard way, do the coating in the shade because direct sun kills the bacteria, and check the expiry date on the packet before buying. My first batch did nothing and I think it was old stock left in a hot shop. Fresh culture stored cool is the key.
OOmkar Singh Rathore8mo ago
If your field is growing lentil for the first time in years, the Rhizobium really matters because the right bacteria may not be present in the soil. On a fresh plot mine nodulated much better with treatment than an untreated check strip nearby. On fields that grow pulses every year the difference is smaller but still there.