Yield enhancement and phosphorus economy in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) with integrated use of phosphorus, Rhizobium and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria

The study evaluated the effects of phosphorus (0, 20, 30, and 40 kg P2O5 ha−1) and biofertilizers [Rhizobium (Rhizobium leguminosarum bv viciae), plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (Pseudomonas fluorescens), Rhizobium + PGPR, and uninoculated control] in lentil. Application of 40 kg P2O5 ha−1 resulted in the highest number of nodules, nodule dry weight, leghemoglobin content in nodules, chlorophyll content, yield attributes, and grain yield. Coinoculated treatment performed better than uninoculated control, and individual inoculations of Rhizobium and PGPR in terms of all above mentioned parameters. Application of 20 kg P2O5 ha−1 + Rhizobium inoculation gave statistically similar and 20 kg P2O5 ha−1 + Rhizobium + PGPR inoculation gave significantly higher grain yield than that by 40 kg P2O5 ha−1 alone. The use of Rhizobium alone and Rhizobium + PGPR consortium can save not only 20 kg P2O5 ha−1 but also increase the grain yield of lentil.