Yield and N2 Fixation of Pea (Pisum Sativum L.) as Influenced by Mo and Fe Application in Alkaline Calcareous Soil

A field study was conducted to assess the effect of two levels each of Fe (2.5 and 5.0 kg ha^-1) and Mo (1.0 and 2.0 kg ha^-1) applied alone or in combination on nodulation, nitrogen fixation, fresh pods yield and nutrient uptake of pea [Pisum sativum L.] under silt-loam alkaline soil conditions. Treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The required Fe and Mo as [(NH4)6Mo7O244H2O] and FeSO4.7H2O respectively were applied to soil followed by thorough mixing before sowing. Both Fe and Mo induced significant increases in fresh pods pea yield and nutrient uptake. Their combined effect was more prominent than their alone application. The maximum fresh pods yield of 5458 kg ha^-1 and biomass yield of 10315 kg ha-1 were obtained with the combine application of high levels of Mo and Fe (2 and 5 kg ha^-1) and has also enhanced nodules number by 152 %, fresh weight of nodules by 135 %, N concentration in plant by 29 %, N uptake by 50 %, N2 fixation by 85 % over the control. Application of Mo and Fe at all levels alone or in combinations also improved soil organic matter, mineral N, P and K status that could be associated with more N2 fixation, enhanced plant and root growths of plants. These results suggested that application of both Mo and Fe is necessary for pea crop enhanced nodulation, N2 fixation, yield, nutrient uptake and for improved soil fertility.