Interactive effects of lentil genotypes, fertilizer levels and crop geometry on growth and phenological development of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024-25 at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jaipur (Rajasthan) to study the effects of lentil genotypes, fertilizer levels and crop geometry on the growth and phenological development of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with twelve treatment combinations consisting of two varieties (KM-3 and DPL-62), two spacings (30 cm × 10 cm and 45 cm × 10 cm), and recommended fertilizer levels. The results showed that the application of 100% RDF (20:40:00 N P₂O₅ K₂O kg/ha) significantly improved growth parameters with the highest plant height at harvest (48.50 cm), number of branches per plant (11.64) and dry matter accumulation at maturity (9.98 g plant⁻¹), along with higher days to 50% flowering and maturity. However, plant population showed a non-significant effect on plant stand. The 45 cm × 10 cm spacing significantly improved plant height (44.72 cm), number of branches (11.04) and dry matter accumulation at maturity (9.20 g plant⁻¹), while plant population, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity showed a non-significant effect on plant stand. The DPL-62 genotype recorded the highest values for plant height at harvest (44.49 cm), number of branches per plant (10.99), and dry matter accumulation (9.15 g plant⁻¹), along with higher days to 50% flowering and maturity. However, plant population again showed a non-significant effect on plant stand. In conclusion, the study suggests that the application of 100% RDF combined with 45 cm × 10 cm spacing and the DPL-62 variety optimizes lentil growth, yield, quality, and economic returns under semi-arid conditions.