Optimization of lentil (Lens culinaris Medic.) cultivars response to NPK under rainfed conditions

Response of three lentil cultivars (Masoor-93, NIAB Masoor-2002 and NIAB Masoor-2006) to various NPK fertilizer combinations (25-0-0, 25-25-25, 25-50-50 and 25-75-75 kg/ ha) was studied during the year 2007-08 and 2008-09. The experiment was replicated three times at Agronomic Research Area, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Yield of NIAB Masoor-2002 and NIAB Masoor-2006 was equivalent (1378 and 1365 kg/ha) but significantly higher than Masoor-93. This was due to more pods and higher seed weight. NIAB Masoor-2002 and NIAB Masoor-2006 gave better response to 25:50:50 kg NPK. Increased dose of NPK (25-75-75 kg NPK/ha) did not further increase the yield. Therefore, NPK @ 25-50-50 kg seems optimum for higher yield of NIAB Masoor-2002 and NIAB Masoor-2006 under rainfed conditions. Maximum increase in harvest index was observed in NIAB Masoor-2002 with 25-50-50 kg NPK (45.64%).