Nitrogen is one of the most important macro nutrients because it is a major component of chlorophyll, involved in photosynthesis, protein synthesis and various other metabolic processes. A field experiment was conducted to study the performance of lentil varieties to the application of nitrogen levels and nitrogen fixing bacteria at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar in winter 2021. Two lentil varieties (Masoor-2006 and Markaz-09) were selected with five nitrogen levels (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg ha^-1) and two nitrogen fixing bacteria (Azotobacter and Azospirillum). Sub plot of (1.8m x 3m) size were maintained having six rows. Row to row distance of 30 cm and plant to plant distance of 10 cm were maintained. A recommended dose of P @ 60 kg ha^-1 was applied half each at the time of sowing while the remaining half was applied 30 days after sowing. The quantity of each bacterium culture was used @ 500 g ha^-1 and was applied to the soil. Nitrogen application @ 30 kg ha^-1 increased shoot fresh weight (5.1 g), shoot dry weight (2.2 g), chlorophyll index (35.1), leaf area (5.2 cm²), leaf relative water content (48.7%), light interception (0.08%), fresh biomass weight at maturity (22.9 g) and dry biomass weight (10.3 g) at maturity. Application of nitrogen fixing bacteria increased shoot fresh weight (5.1 g), shoot dry weight (2.2 g), chlorophyll index (33.0), leaf area (5.2 cm²), leaf relative water content (48.7%), light interception (0.08%), fresh biomass weight (20.6 g) at maturity and dry biomass weight (9.7 g) at maturity. However, between the two varieties Markaz-09 showed better response to nitrogen @ 30 kg ha^-1 along Azotobacter application. It is concluded that, lentil variety Markaz-09 with Azotobacter and Nitrogen application @ 30 kg ha^-1 could be better for improving lentil growth in agro climatic conditions of Peshawar region.

Key words: Lentil, Nitrogen, climatic condition, Peshawar.