Introduction to major field crops (1+1)

Sowing

Time of Sowing
Red gram is a traditionally kharif crop sown in June-July with the onset of monsoon in various agro-climatic zones of India.

Seed Rate
Depending upon the size of seed and spacing, 15-25 kg seeds/ha is sufficient. For intercropping/mixed cropping system,red gram seeds of 7-10 kg/ha is necessary.

Seed Treatment
Seeds should be inoculated with Rhizobium and P-solubilizer cultures each @ 375g/ha.

Spacing
Long duration varieties of red gram are tall, spreading and occupy the field for about 240-300 days. These varieties are planted at wider row spacing of 90-120 cm and about 30 cm in between plants particularly under rainfed conditions. Under irrigated conditions, early maturing varieties are more popular as they fit well in double cropping systems. These varieties are planted at a row spacing of 50-75 cm and plant to plant spacing of 15-20 cm.

Method of Sowing
Red gram is generally broadcasted. Optimum, depth for seeding is 4-5cm. Sowing in rows may be done behind the desi plough or in the furrows opened by tractor.Red gram is very susceptible to water-logging, particularly during seedling stage. Under such situations, crop should be sown on ridges.





Fig: Seedling stage.


Fig: Vegetative stage.


Fig: Reproductive stage.



Fig: Types of pods.