ENHANCING LENTIL (LENS CULINARIS) YIELD THROUGH SEED RATE ADJUSTMENT UNDER QUETTA’S AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Abstract

Increasing crop yield requires optimizing the seed rate, particularly in regions with unique agroclimatic factors. The yield of lentil (Lens culinaris) cultivars in Quetta, a semi-arid region with fluctuating temperatures and little rainfall, is examined in this study in relation to different seed rates. The optimal planting density for each of the four lentil cultivars was determined by testing them with different seed rates. To take environmental variability into consideration, the experiment was conducted over two growth seasons. The findings demonstrated important variation in yield across seed rates, with both under and overdoing leading to less-than-ideal plant growth and production losses. The importance of adjusting planting density to the unique genetic traits of each lentil variety was highlighted by the fact that different varieties had different ideal seed rates for maximizing yield. The results indicate that lentil productivity can be greatly increased by modifying seed rates in accordance with regional climate and variety types. For lentil farmers in Quetta and other areas with comparable climates, this study offers insightful information and useful suggestions for increasing yields through optimal seed rates. To assess the long-term impacts of different seed rates on soil health and overall agricultural sustainability in semi-arid environments, more research is advised.