Rhizobium Inoculation and Micronutrient Addition Influence the Growth, Yield, Quality and Nutrient Uptake of Garden Peas (Pisum sativum L.)

Garden pea productivity and qualities are hampered in zinc (Zn), boron (B), and molybdenum (Mo) deficient soil. Thus, the combination of micronutrients (i.e., Zn, B, and Mo) and rhizobium is necessary to increase the productivity and quality of garden peas, since this management for garden peas is neglected in Bangladesh. Therefore, the present study was made to assess the effectiveness of rhizobium inoculant singly or in combination with the micronutrients (i.e., Zn, B, and Mo) on growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and quality of garden peas. Treatments were: T1 = Control, T2 = Rhizobium inoculation at 50 g/kg seed, T3 = T2 + Zn3Mo1, T4 = T2 + B2Mo1, T5 = T2 + Zn3B2, T6 = T2 + Zn3B2Mo1 and T7 = Zn3B2Mo1. All treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and repeated all treatments in three times. The application of 3 kg Zn, 2 kg B, and 1 kg Mo ha−1 with inoculation of Rhizobium at 50 g kg−1 seed (T6) facilitated to increase of 44.8% in the green pod and 29.7% seed yield over control. The same treatment contributed to attaining the maximum nodulation (25.3 plant−1), Vitamin C (43.5 mg 100 g−1), protein content (22.2%), and nutrient uptake as well as accumulation in garden peas. Among all treatment combinations, treatment T6 was found superior to others based on microbial activities, soil fertility, and profitability. The results of the study found that the application of 3 kg Zn, 2 kg B, and 1 kg Mo ha−1 in combination with Rhizobium inoculation (50 g kg−1 seed) can improve the yield and quality of garden peas. The results of the study have the potential for the areas, where there is no use of Rhizobium inoculant or Zn, B, and Mo fertilizer for cultivation of garden pea.