Lentil planting tips: Why do spring lentils bloom less frequently?

When planting lentils in spring, they may not bloom, and they certainly won't bear fruit. What's going on?

1. Land preparation and fertilization

This variety is suitable for all kinds of soil, but fertile loam is the best. It requires deep ploughing as early as possible and heavy application of base fertilizer. Generally, 3000-5000kg of soil and miscellaneous fertilizers are applied per 667m2. Before sowing, potassium sulfate compound fertilizer can be applied in strips or holes at a rate of 50-75kg/667m2.

2. Sow seeds at the right time

"Little Shennong" spring lentils can be cultivated in protected areas or in the open field. For open field planting, the seeds can be sown when the ground temperature reaches 14℃ at a depth of 5cm (same as cotton sowing period). In the early stage, small arch sheds can be used for covering, sowing can be 10 to 15 days earlier than open field planting. For seedling transplanting, sowing can be done 25 to 30 days in advance, and transplanting can be done when 2 leaves and 1 heart are formed. The row spacing is 90cm, the plant spacing is 40cm, 2 seeds are sown in each hole or 2 plants are planted, and 1000 to 1200g of seeds are used for 667m2.

3. Scaffolding

For planting in large areas, a 2.0-2.5m high herringbone frame should be built before the seedlings reach 30cm. For scattered planting, branches, bamboo poles, ropes, wires, etc. can be used to guide the vines to climb up the fence.

4. Pay attention to pest control

Spring lentils may be attacked by aphids, red spiders, American leafminers, pod borers and other pests, which need to be controlled in time. Avermectin can be used to treat all the above pests. It is specially used to treat pod borers. You can also use 5mL of Yitaibao + 10mL of pyrethroid pesticides, mixed with 15kg of water, and spray the flowers before 10 am. Spray the pesticide once for each batch of flowers.

5. Topdressing to prevent aging

After harvesting 3-4 batches of tender pods, topdressing can be done once. Apply 25-30 kg of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer in the furrow 20 cm away from the plant between the racks. It is best to combine topdressing with watering. Since lentils belong to the leguminous crops, they have nodules and can fix nitrogen, so nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied too much, otherwise it will easily cause leggy growth. If there is premature aging, foliar fertilizers such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, photosynthetic micro-fertilizers, and chemical fertilizer essences can also be sprayed on the roots to treat it.