• Lentils
• Soil Health
• University of Saskatchewan

Objective

To determine the grain yield and zinc concentration response in selected genotypes of three different market classes of lentil to application of zinc sulfate fertilizer on Saskatchewan soils. To assess the effect of the zinc sulfate application to lentil on the yield and zinc concentration in hard red spring wheat that is grown following the lentil. To determine an optimum rate and mode of Zn application in order to increase lentil yield, Zn content, and bioavailability within lentil grain classes, the variation in Zn concentrations and phytate in lentil plant parts and consumed lentil grains, the phytate to zinc molar ratios, and the bioavailable Zn in lentil grains using the trivariate model.

Outcome

An improved understanding of the response of lentils to fertilization with Zn has been obtained that will contribute to more accurate fertilizer micronutrient recommendations for lentil growers. Specific forms and application methods that are more efficacious have been identified. Economic analysis of the field data for Zn response showed that Zn fertilization did not demonstrably increase economic return, due to the lack of statistically significant yield responses to the Zn fertilizer applied. Unless a crop deficiency is clearly established, producers should not apply Zn fertilizer at the expense of other field operations that have more reliable agronomic efficacy.

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