Introduction to major field crops (1+1)

Climatic Requirement

In India, gram is cultivated in winter season. In temperate countries, it is mainly cultivated in spring and summer seasons because of the availability of favourable temperature in these seasons. It requires cool climate for its growth and development and high temperature for maturity. The optimum temperature for its growth ranges from 15 to 25°C. Low temperature at the time of germination reduces the germination percentage. Severe cold and frosts are injurious for its growth and development. Frost at the time of flowering causes flower drop. Heavy rains at the time of germination, flowering and hailstorm at and after flowering cause severe damage to thecrop. Gram requires cloud free days for its normal growth.

Being leguminous crop, gram needs less rainfall. The deep-rooted system makes it a preferred crop in dry tracts receiving an annual rainfall of 600-1000mm. Water logging at any stage of growth may destroy the crop.