Influence of Chelated Fe and Zn Co Application on Soil Physicochemical Characteristics during Lentil Developmental Stages

Lentil is a key pulse crop in developing nations, yet its productivity and nutritional value are often limited by micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). A randomized block design with 10 treatments under a rice system including RDF (Recommended dose fertilizer) alone (T10), and combinations of iron (Fe) or zinc (Zn) or both applied through basal application, bio-priming, nutripriming, and foliar spray: T1–Fe (basal + foliar), T2–Fe (bio-priming + nutripriming), T3–Fe (basal + bio-priming + nutripriming), T4–Zn (basal + foliar), T5–Zn (bio-priming + nutripriming), T6–Zn (basal + bio-priming + nutripriming), T7–Fe+Zn (basal + foliar), T8–Fe+Zn (bio-priming + nutripriming), and T9–Fe+Zn (basal + bio-priming + nutripriming). This study assessed the effects of chelated iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) applied through basal application, nutripriming, and biopriming on soil properties and micronutrient dynamics in lentil cultivation. Treatments moderately influenced soil pH, EC, oxidizable carbon, CEC, and macronutrient levels. The highest nutrient enrichment was seen in T3 and T9, which also significantly improved Fe (29.72 mg kg⁻¹ at tillering) and Zn (1.20 mg kg⁻¹ at flowering), respectively. DTPA-extractable Fe and Zn declined from vegetative to post-harvest stages. The RDF control (T10) showed the lowest micronutrient levels. Integrated Fe and Zn application effectively improved soil fertility and supported biofortification.