Maximizing wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity through variable nutrient management practices

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2017–18 and 2018–19 at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur to evaluate the effect of foliar NPK application and nutrient management practices on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity. Selected twelve treatments combinations of three nutrient levels, four timings of N application and 2 foliar sprays were tested in RBD with 3 replications. The soil of experimental field was Vertisol, being neutral (pH 7.04) in reaction, medium (0.45 %) in soil organic carbon, low in N (182 kg/ha), medium in P (16.2 kg/ha) and high in K (312 kg/ha) content. Results revealed that number of effective tillers, dry matter accumulation and yield attributing characters, viz. length of ear (cm), number of grains/ear, ear weight (g), grain yield (3.99 and 4.07 t/ha), harvest index, highest net return (` 50,350 and ` 56,694/ha) and B:C ratio (2.72 and 2.94) were significantly higher under the treatments 150% RDF (25% of N as basal + 25% at CRI + 25% tillering stage + 25% late jointing stage) + foliar spray of NPK (19:19:19) @ 5 g/l of water at 5 days after (DA) tillering and 5 DA late jointing stage as compared to others. It was at par with same fertilizer dose with or without one foliar spray at 5 days after late jointing stage during 2017–18 and 2018–19, respectively. Plots receiving 150% of recommended doses of fertilizers and two foliar sprays adjunct with 4 splits of N have accounted for higher available NPK status in the soil and elevated NPK built-up.