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 to rhizobial inoculant and 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 to planned, diverse crop rotations.
Planting lentils into high residual N soils is likely to be a relatively low-risk practice. Non-nitrogen-fixing crops may benefit more from high residual nitrogen crops. However, many other good reasons exist to stick to planned, diverse crop rotations.