Introduction to major field crops (1+1)

Soil Requirement

Gram is able to grow on a wide range of soils. It is commonly believed to be a hardy crop. This can be grown on marginal soils which are not suitable for crops such as wheat. The soils in major production areas range from sandy to sandy loam to deep black cotton soils. Gram thrives best on deep loams or silt clay loams free from excessive salts. However, too light and too heavy soils are not good for the gram because on light soils with low moisture retention capacity, growth of gram is retarded and on heavy soils having high moisture retention capacity, vegetative growth is abundant which restrict the light penetration in crop canopy; fruiting is retarded and makes the crop prone to diseases. The soil should be near neutral in reaction;though a pH range 6-8 is favourable for growth of gram. The soil should be well drained.




Fig: Soil Requirement.