Growth parameters and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as influenced by varying levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium

Abstract

A Long term field experiment (37th crop cycle) was conducted at Agronomical Research farm of Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi during Rabi season in 2020-2021 to study the growth parameters and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as influenced by varying levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. The experiment was conducted in Partially Confounded Design with nineteen treatments replicated four times. The wheat variety used was HD 2967. Nitrogen, Phosphorus and potassium level used were 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha-1, 0, 40 and 80 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 0 and 40 kg K2O ha-1 respectively. Application of 120 kg N ha-1, significantly improved plant height of wheat at all growth stages, produced maximum numbers of tillers at 60 DAS, 90 DAS and at harvest, recorded maximum dry matter accumulation at 90 DAS and at harvest and also enhanced leaf area index at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest. Similarly, higher level of phosphorus i.e., of 80 kg P2O5 ha-1 significantly increased plant height, number of tillers, dry matter accumulation and leaf area index of wheat at all growth stages. Application of 40 kg K2O ha-1 noted maximum plant height at 60 DAS, 90 DAS and at harvest. 40 kg K2O ha-1 significantly influenced number of tillers as well as leaf area index and registered maximum values at all growth stages. But 40 kg K2O ha-1 failed to cause significant variation in dry matter accumulation in wheat at all growth stages except at harvest. The maximum grain and straw yield of wheat was associated with application of 120 kg N ha-1, 80 kg P kg P2O5 ha-1 and 40 kg K2O ha-1.