Seaweed extract under different doses of NPK on productivity of irrigated wheat

Abstract

The use of seaweed extract as a biostimulant has also become an alternative approach to the improvement of crop yields and soil fertility as a sustainable measure. The current experiment was done to determine the impact of seaweed extract along with varying concentrations of the NPK fertilizers on the growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of irrigated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The treatments involved different NPK (100, 75, and 50 percent of the recommended dose) with or without the foliar application of seaweed extract at the critical stages of growth. The outcomes showed the joint treatment of seaweed extract and 75 percent NPK greatly enhanced the height of plants, the number of tillers, chlorophyll content, as well as the yield of grains in comparison with the NPK recommended full dose. The bioactive compounds of seaweed extract, including cytokinins, auxins, amino acids, and micronutrients, were cited to have enhanced nutrient uptake and physiological performance of the root, thus contributing to growth and enhancing nutrient assimilation. Moreover, the combined therapy enhanced the microbial activity and water retention in the soil, and the long-term productivity was maintained in the irrigated soils. It is found that the synergistic application of seaweed extract and a lower concentration of NPK can maximize the wheat yield and the inputs of the chemical fertilizers, and this finding is related to the environmentally friendly and cost-effective crop production systems.