Effect of moisture stress and phosphorus, sulphur and zinc fertilizers on growth and development of pea (Pisum sativum)

Abstract

Response of pea (Pisum sativum L.) cv. 'Swastik' ('DMR 11') to moisture stress and application of phosphorus, sulphur and zinc fertilizers was studied during the winter season of 1992-93 and 1993-94 at the Indian Agricultural Research institute, New Delhi. Higher values of root dry weight, number and dry weight of root nodules/plant, nitrogenase activity, and growth parameters (leaf-area index, net assimilation rate, crop-growth rate, nitrate reductase activity) were observed with no moisture stress treatment, i.e. irrigation at all the 3 stages, viz. vegetative, flowering and pod filling. Application of 26.2 kg P/ha recorded higher values for root and growth parameters when compared to 13.1 kg P/ha and no P. Application of 40 kg S+5 kg Zn/ha also improved root and growth parameters, and yield of pea.