Research Objective
In seasons of widespread drought and corresponding low yields, high residual soil nitrogen (N) levels may remain in the field. This research aimed to demonstrate, across a range of environments, the agronomic response of both small red and large green lentils and rhizobium inoculant treatments (Nodulator® Duo SCG or TagTeam® BioniQ®) with varying soil residual N representing low, elevated and extreme levels.
Using fall broadcast nitrogen treatments to simulate high residual N fields appears viable. All sites showed measurable increases in residual nitrate relative to the naturally occurring levels. Planting lentils into high residual N soils is likely a relatively low-risk practice. Non-N fixing crops may benefit more from the high residual N; however, many other good reasons exist to stick with planned, diverse crop rotations.
Planting lentils into high residual N soils is likely to be a relatively low-risk practice. Non-nitrogen-fixing crops (wheat, oat, barley, canola, flax, etc.) may benefit more from high residual nitrogen. This project found no significant benefits of granular inoculant, but nitrogen fixation is too critical in lentil production to forgo inoculation (granular or liquid formulations).