Effect of zinc and boron application on productivity, quality and nutrient uptake of fieldpea (Pisum sativum L.) grown in calcareous soils

An experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2014-15 and 2015-16) at Regional Pulses Research Station, Madaripur and Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jashore, Bangladesh during Rabi (winter) season to evaluate the effect of Zinc (Zn) and Boron (B) on productivity, nodulation, nutrient uptake and quality of fieldpea (Pisum sativum L.) and how these elements can help to manage soil fertility. There were sixteen treatment combinations comprising four levels of Zn (0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 kg ha-1) and four levels of Boron (0, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg ha-1) along with a blanket dose of fertilizers of N, P, K and S at 12, 22, 30 and 10 kg ha-1, respectively used in all combination. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. Results showed that the treatment combination of Zn3.0B2.0 produced significantly higher seed yield followed by treatment combination of Zn3.0B1.5. The lowest seed yield was found in control (Zn0B0) combination. Treatment combination of Zn at 3 kg ha-1 and B at 2 kg ha-1 resulted in higher yield increment of 76.3% at Madaripur and 64.3% at Jashore over the control treatment (Zn0B0). Root nodulation and seed protein content was found highest in Zn3.0B2.0 treatment at both the locations. Zinc and Boron uptake by the fieldpea was also significantly affected by the added of Zn and B fertilizer. The combine application of Zn and B was superior to single application. The treatment combination of Zn3.0B2.0 followed by Zn3.0B1.5 showed positive results in improving soil organic matter, N, P, S, Zn and B content in soil for both locations. Hence, the results recommended that combine application of Zn and B either at of 3 and 2 kg ha-1 or at of 3 and 1.5 kg ha-1, respectively along with blanket fertilizers of N12 P22 K30 S10 kg ha-1 can support for higher yields of fieldpea and help to sustain fertility of calcareous soils.