Land preparation

• Requires a well tilled weed free and properly drained soil for proper root penetration and nodulation.
• Does not tolerate water stagnation thus a well leveled bed is required.
• One deep ploughing (15-20cm) by turning the soil followed by 2-3harrowing and planking provides a better tilth.
• In vertisols, “broad bed and furrow system (BBFS)”is beneficial where 90cm broad ridges and 60cm shallow furrow are maintained.

Seed selection and treatment

• Pure, viable, vigorous growth habit, physically and genetically pure seed (>95%) is selected.
• Seed having high germination rate and free from disease and pest is recommended.
• Seed should be treated with Bavistin or carbendazim
• Treat the seeds with broad spectrum fungicides as Thiram 75% @0.75g/kg of seed.
• Rhizobium treatment to increase nitrogen fixation capacity.

Seed rate

• 30-40 kg/ha.
• Optimum plant population: 10-15 plant/m².
• In short duration varieties: plant population is maintained about 20-25 plants/m² or even 30-35 plants/m².
• For small seeded dwarf varieties: 25-30 kg/ha
• For large seeded tall varieties: 10-15 kg/ha

Sowing depth

• 3-5 cm is ideal.

Sowing method

a) Broadcasting

b) Line sowing

Spacing

• For tall varieties with medium to long crop period: 60-75 x 20-30 cm
• For dwarf varieties with short crop period: 40-50 x 15-20 cm.
• For rainfed conditions: 90 x30 cm
• Ridge planting is superior in areas with temporary water-logged conditions.