Effect of different phosphorus levels and application methods on growth, productivity and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of different methods of phosphorus fertilization and levels on growth, yield and economics of wheat was conducted during rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. It was conducted in split plot design comprising of four methods of phosphorus application (broadcasting and incorporation, band placement, flood fertigation with 5cm irrigation water, flood fertigation with 2.5 cm irrigation water) in main plots and three phosphorus levels (20, 30 and 40 kg ha-1) in sub-plots along with a no phosphorus control treatment, and replicated thrice. The results revealed that all the treatments with phosphorus, irrespective of dose and method of application, significantly increased growth parameters, yield attributes, grain and straw yield, and economics of wheat over the control treatment. Grain yield significantly increased with increasing doses of phosphorus fertilization up to 30 kg ha-1, beyond which the yield remained statistically similar up to 40 kg ha-1. Higher values of growth parameters (plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index), yield attributes, yield (grain and straw) and economics (net return, B:C ratio, return on investment on phosphorus fertilizer)were recorded with the band application of phosphorus fertilizer, which was significantly higher than broadcasting and incorporation at sowing, but statistically similar with flood fertigation treatments. Overall, banding of phosphorus was found a more efficient method and application of 30 kg phosphorus ha-1 through band placement is the best option to gain better productivity and profitability from wheat crop