Best Fertilizer for Masoor in India
Masoor (lentil) is a rabi pulse that fixes nitrogen through Rhizobium nodules, so it needs only a small starter dose of nitrogen but responds strongly to phosphorus for root and nodule devel
Overview
Masoor (lentil) is a rabi pulse that fixes nitrogen through Rhizobium nodules, so it needs only a small starter dose of nitrogen but responds strongly to phosphorus for root and nodule development. A good Rhizobium and PSB seed treatment can supply most of the crop's nitrogen and save fertiliser. As masoor is mostly grown on residual moisture, nearly all fertiliser is applied as a basal dose at sowing. Heavy nitrogen reduces nodulation and gives leafy plants with fewer pods. Masoor also improves soil fertility for the following crop. Always base your dose on a soil test or Soil Health Card and confirm local rates with your KVK.
Recommended NPK dose for Masoor
A typical recommended dose is about 8 kg N, 16 to 20 kg P2O5 and 8 kg K2O per acre, which is roughly 20 kg N, 40 to 50 kg P2O5 and 20 kg K2O per hectare. Note the low nitrogen and high phosphorus typical of legumes. Sulphur at 8 kg per acre helps on deficient soils. Potash is added only where soil tests show a shortage. These are general ranges only. Get a soil test or Soil Health Card done and follow the dose advised by your KVK, since requirements change with soil and region.
Application schedule
Masoor needs all its fertiliser as a single basal dose at sowing. Apply the full nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulphur in the seed furrow or just below the seed before sowing, so the roots reach it early. No nitrogen top dressing is required because nodules supply nitrogen later. In irrigated crops a 2 percent urea or DAP spray at flowering and pod-filling can improve grain set, but avoid broadcasting heavy nitrogen on the standing crop.
Organic & bio-fertilizers
Mix 4 to 5 tonnes of well rotted FYM or compost per acre, about 10 tonnes per hectare, into the soil before sowing. Treat seed first with fungicide, then with lentil Rhizobium at 5 g per kg seed plus PSB at 5 g per kg seed, dry in shade and sow the same day. This supplies much of the nitrogen and unlocks soil phosphorus. Vermicompost at 1 tonne per acre can replace part of the FYM and helps the crop on residual moisture.
Micronutrients & deficiency signs
Masoor responds to sulphur and to zinc and iron on deficient soils. Apply 8 kg sulphur per acre through gypsum where needed. For zinc deficiency, seen as yellowing between veins of lower leaves and stunted growth, apply 10 kg zinc sulphate per acre or spray 0.5 percent zinc sulphate. Iron deficiency in calcareous soils shows as yellow new leaves; spray 0.5 percent ferrous sulphate. Apply boron only if a soil test confirms a shortage, since excess boron harms the crop.
Tips & cautions
Treat seed with fungicide first, then Rhizobium and PSB, and sow the same day. Do not overuse nitrogen; heavy urea weakens nodulation and gives leaves instead of pods. Place phosphorus near the seed for better uptake on residual moisture. Avoid waterlogging, which kills nodules. Test your soil every two to three years and follow your KVK for the dose suited to your area.
These are general recommendations. For the exact dose, follow your Soil Health Card / soil test and local KVK, and avoid over-applying urea.
FAQs
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