Best Agronomical Practices for Growing Pulses

Pulses – black gram (urad), green gram (moong), pigeonpea (tur), and chickpea – are the backbone of protein nutrition across South Asia, yet their productivity remains far below potential. India grows pulses under rainfed, resource-poor conditions across millions of hectares, and yield gaps are largely the result of poor agronomic management rather than lack of improved varieties. Getting the basics right – soil selection, sowing time, seed treatment, fertilization, and pest control – can make the difference between a mediocre crop and a productive one. This post walks through the recommended agronomical practices for each major pulse crop.

Soil selection and field preparation 🔗

The choice of soil and how well it is prepared before sowing sets the foundation for the entire crop. Pulses perform best in well-drained, loamy to sandy loam soils with good fertility and moderate organic content. Soil pH should ideally fall between 6.0 and 7.5. Each crop has specific preferences: black gram and green gram thrive in alluvial and loamy soils, while chickpea does best in well-drained sandy loam or clay loam soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Pigeonpea tolerates a wider range, growing well in deep black cotton soils as well as well-drained loams. None of the pulse crops tolerate waterlogging – roots suffocate quickly in saturated conditions, and nodule activity halts.

Field preparation should begin well ahead of sowing. The recommended approach is to plow the field to a depth of 20-25 centimeters, followed by harrowing to break up clods and create a fine, firm seedbed. This allows seeds to germinate uniformly and roots to develop without obstruction. Fields that retain standing water should have drainage channels cut or raised beds constructed before the season begins.

Sowing time and spacing 🔗

Timing the sowing window correctly is one of the most impactful agronomic decisions a farmer can make. Pulses are mainly grown during the kharif (June-July) and rabi (October-November) seasons, depending on the crop type and regional climate. Missing the optimal window exposes the crop to unfavorable weather and sharply reduces yield potential.

Crop-wise sowing calendar 🔗

Black gram (urad) is primarily a kharif crop, sown from June to July at the onset of monsoon, though summer cultivation is also practiced in some regions. Green gram (moong) is more flexible, with both kharif (June-July) and summer (March-April) plantings possible, making it suitable for short-duration rotations after rabi cereals. Pigeonpea (tur) is a long-duration kharif crop sown in June-July to take advantage of full monsoon rainfall; early and short-duration varieties do not perform well in high-rainfall areas. Chickpea is a cool-season rabi crop cultivated across the Indian subcontinent, typically sown in October-November after the monsoon retreats.

Proper spacing ensures each plant receives adequate sunlight, nutrients, and air circulation – all critical for healthy growth and disease prevention. Line sowing is preferred over broadcasting for better crop management and yield. Black gram and green gram are sown at a row-to-row spacing of 20-30 cm with 10-15 cm between plants. Chickpea requires 30-45 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants. Pigeonpea, being a much larger plant, needs 60-75 cm between rows and 20-25 cm between plants. These spacings allow for adequate canopy development and intercultural operations.

Seed rate and seed treatment 🔗

Using the correct seed rate ensures optimum plant population, which is directly linked to yield. Typical seed rates are: black gram and green gram at 15-20 kg/ha; chickpea at 60-80 kg/ha for desi types (smaller seeds); and pigeonpea at 12-15 kg/ha due to its larger plant size. Bold-seeded varieties may require slightly higher seed rates.

Seed treatment before sowing is a low-cost intervention that pays back significantly. It covers three steps:

1. Fungicide treatment: Seeds are treated with fungicides like Thiram or Carbendazim at 2-3 g/kg of seed to protect against soil-borne diseases such as collar rot and root rot. This step is done first, and seeds are allowed to dry before the next treatment is applied.

2. Rhizobium inoculation: After the fungicide has dried, seeds are inoculated with Rhizobium biofertilizer. Rhizobium bacteria enter plant roots after germination, form nodules, and fix atmospheric nitrogen – fulfilling up to 70% of the crop’s nitrogen requirement. Each pulse crop requires a specific Rhizobium strain. For powder-form inoculant, seeds are coated using a jaggery solution as a sticking agent and dried in shade before sowing. Treated seeds should be sown as soon as possible and never exposed to direct sunlight, which kills the bacteria.

3. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB): Co-inoculation with PSB along with Rhizobium improves phosphorus availability from the soil and enhances nodulation, further reducing the need for chemical phosphate inputs.

Fertilizer management 🔗

Pulse crops have a unique nutrient profile. The biological nitrogen fixation mechanism in pulses enables them to meet 80-90% of their nitrogen requirement, so only a small starter dose of 15-25 kg N/ha is sufficient. Applying too much nitrogen suppresses nodule formation and defeats the purpose of rhizobial inoculation. Phosphorus and sulphur are more critical, playing key roles in root development, nodule formation, and protein synthesis.

Crop-specific fertilizer guidelines 🔗

Based on government pulse production advisories, the recommended nutrient doses vary by crop:

Black gram: 15-20 kg N, 40-50 kg P₂O₅, and 30-40 kg K₂O per hectare at sowing. Sulphur at 20 kg/ha is beneficial. Seed treatment with 0.5 kg sodium molybdate per hectare or two foliar sprays of 0.1% molybdenum solution improves nitrogen fixation efficiency.

Green gram: Similar to black gram – 15-20 kg N and 40-50 kg P₂O₅ per hectare. A foliar spray of 2% urea at flowering has been found beneficial in rainfed conditions. Zinc sulphate at 25 kg/ha and borax at 10 kg/ha have a positive effect on root growth and biological nitrogen fixation.

Pigeonpea: 25-30 kg N, 50-75 kg P₂O₅, and 30 kg K₂O per hectare as a basal dose. Foliar spray of 0.5% zinc sulphate corrects micronutrient deficiencies common in black cotton soils.

Chickpea: Being a rabi crop grown largely on residual soil moisture, chickpea needs moderate inputs. A general recommendation is 15-20 kg N and 50-60 kg P per hectare. Potassium is recommended where soil tests show deficiency. All fertilizers for pulse crops should ideally be applied based on a soil test report to avoid over- or under-application.

All basal fertilizers – phosphorus, potassium, and the starter nitrogen dose – should be incorporated into the soil at or just before sowing, placed 5-7 cm deep near the seed zone for better uptake.

Pest management 🔗

Major insect pests of pulses include pod borers, pod bugs, aphids, thrips, and cutworms, all of which can cause significant yield losses if left unchecked. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach – combining cultural practices, resistant varieties, and targeted chemical use – is the most effective and sustainable strategy.

Aphids and whiteflies 🔗

Aphids are among the most damaging pests in pulse crops – not only because they directly suck plant sap and stunt growth, but because they are the primary vectors for yellow mosaic virus (YMV), one of the most destructive diseases affecting black gram and green gram. Aphids should be controlled as soon as they appear, especially before flowering, to prevent virus spread. For chemical management, systemic insecticides such as Dimethoate 30 EC @ 1.5 ml/litre or Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5 ml/litre of water are effective. Applications should be timed to coincide with the first appearance of winged aphids on the crop. Whiteflies, which also vector YMV, require similar management.

Pod borers 🔗

Pod borers – particularly Helicoverpa armigera – are the most destructive insects in chickpea and pigeonpea. Larvae bore directly into developing pods and feed on the seeds, causing direct yield loss. Cultural practices such as deep summer plowing (which exposes pupae to sunlight and predators), intercropping, and timely sowing reduce pressure. Where chemical control is warranted, insecticides such as Chlorpyrifos 20 EC @ 2 ml/litre or Quinalphos 25 EC @ 2 ml/litre of water can be used. Spraying should be timed at pod initiation when egg-laying begins.

Disease management 🔗

Pulse crops are susceptible to a range of fungal and viral diseases. Correct identification of the disease is essential before any treatment is applied, as fungicides prevent disease but do not cure it – applications initiated before disease appears or at the first sign of symptoms are the most effective.

Yellow mosaic virus (YMV) 🔗

YMV is a viral disease affecting mainly black gram and green gram. It is transmitted by whiteflies and spreads rapidly under warm, humid conditions. Infected plants show characteristic yellow patches on young leaves, followed by complete yellowing and distortion. There is no direct chemical cure for viral diseases. The most effective strategy is prevention: grow YMV-resistant varieties wherever available, manage whitefly populations with systemic insecticides, and rogue out infected plants early. Avoiding late sowing also reduces exposure to peak whitefly populations.

Downy mildew 🔗

Downy mildew, caused by Peronospora species, thrives in humid, cool conditions. It appears as pale yellow lesions on the upper leaf surface with a whitish, downy growth on the underside. It can spread rapidly through the crop if humidity remains high for extended periods. Preventive measures include selecting tolerant varieties, maintaining proper plant spacing for air circulation, and avoiding overhead irrigation that keeps foliage wet for long periods. When fungicide application is necessary, Metalaxyl + Mancozeb (Ridomil MZ) @ 2-2.5 g/litre of water is effective. As with all fungal diseases, rotating crops breaks disease cycles by denying pathogens their host plant season after season.

Wilt and root rot 🔗

Fusarium wilt and collar rot affect chickpea and black gram in poorly drained or heavily infected soils. Seed treatment with Carbendazim or Trichoderma viride at the time of sowing is the primary protective measure. Growing resistant or tolerant varieties in fields with a history of wilt is strongly recommended.

Key takeaways for better pulse production 🔗

Good agronomy is not a single practice – it is a sequence of well-timed decisions. Choosing the right soil, preparing the field properly, sowing at the right time, treating seeds with Rhizobium and fungicide, applying balanced fertilizers, and monitoring the crop regularly for pests and diseases are the steps that separate high-yielding from low-yielding pulse fields. Pulses have a unique ability to fix nitrogen and withstand drought, making them particularly suited for sustainable and low-input farming systems – but that potential is only realized when basic agronomical practices are followed consistently.

What do you think? Given that pulses can naturally fix atmospheric nitrogen, do you think farmers who follow proper Rhizobium inoculation practices should reduce their dependence on chemical nitrogen fertilizers entirely – or is a starter nitrogen dose still necessary for good yields? Also, with yellow mosaic virus being a persistent threat in green gram and black gram, do you think breeding resistant varieties or controlling the whitefly vector is the more practical long-term solution for farmers in rainfed regions?

References

1. https://www.protectourlivelihood.in/crops/pulses/
2. https://www.eolss.net/sample-chapters/c10/E1-05A-44-00.pdf
3. https://eng.kisanofindia.com/latest-news/rhizobium-biofertilizer-organic-boost-for-pulse-crop-yields
4. https://www.iffco.in/en/rhizobium-bio-fertiliser
5. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332801571_Fertiliser_best_management_practices_in_pulses
6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265793859_Field_Guide_for_Pesticide_use_in_Pulses
7. https://www.pgro.org/pests-and-diseases/
8. https://nevegetable.org/pest-management/disease-management
9. https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/mg13
10. https://arccjournals.com/journal/agricultural-science-digest/D-5703