Botanical name: Lens culinaris.
Chromosome number: 2n = 14.
Origin:
Lentil (Lens culinaris) is believed to have originated in the Near East and is one of the oldest cultivated crops. It has been grown for thousands of years in regions including the Mediterranean, Middle East, and South Asia.
Geographical Distribution:
Lentil cultivation is widespread and is grown in various countries around the world. Major lentil-producing countries include India, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Nepal, and Ethiopia.
Economic Importance:
Lentils are an important crop both for human consumption and for their contribution to sustainable agriculture. They are a valuable source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Lentils also have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, improving soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Soil and Climatic Requirements:
Lentils prefer well-drained soils with good organic matter content. They can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy loam, loam, and clay loam. The pH of the soil should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.5. Lentils require cool and dry weather during the growing season. They are relatively tolerant of cold temperatures but are sensitive to excessive moisture and humidity.
Seed Rate and Spacing:
The recommended seed rate for lentil cultivation is about 80 to 100 kg/ha. Spacing between rows should be around 30-40 cm, while the spacing between plants within rows should be 10-15 cm.
Seed Treatment:
Seed treatment is essential to protect lentil seeds from seed-borne diseases and pests. Seeds can be treated with fungicides and insecticides to prevent infections and ensure healthy plant establishment. Additionally, seed treatment with rhizobium inoculants can enhance nitrogen fixation.
Varieties:
There are several lentil varieties available for rabi (winter) season cultivation. The choice of variety depends on the specific agro-climatic conditions and market demand in the region. Some popular rabi lentil varieties include:
1. Pusa Masoor-21
2. Pusa Masoor-25
3. Pusa Masoor-26
4. Pusa Masoor-47
5. Pusa Masoor-54
6. Pusa Masoor-58
Cultural Practices:
Here are some recommended cultural practices for rabi lentil cultivation:
1. Land Preparation: Prepare the land by plowing and harrowing to achieve a fine seedbed.
2. Sowing Time: Sow lentil seeds in the rabi season, preferably between October and November, depending on the region.
3. Sowing Method: Sow the seeds either by broadcasting or in rows, followed by light irrigation.
4. Irrigation: Lentils require irrigation at critical growth stages. Avoid excessive irrigation to prevent waterlogging.
5. Weed Control: Weed the lentil fields regularly to prevent competition for nutrients, moisture, and light.
6. Fertilizer Application: Lentils have a relatively low fertilizer requirement. Apply well-decomposed organic matter before sowing, and supplement with nitrogen and phosphorus if necessary.
7. Disease and Pest Management: Monitor the crop for diseases like rust, wilt, and pests such as aphids and pod borers. Apply appropriate treatments as recommended by agricultural experts.
8. Harvesting: Harvest the crop when the plants turn yellow and about 80% of the pods have matured. Carry out threshing and winnowing to separate the seeds.
Yield:
The average yield of rabi lentil crop can vary depending on various factors such as variety, soil fertility, climatic conditions, and management practices. On average, a yield of 800 to 1200 kg/ha can be expected, although higher yields can be achieved with proper care and management.
