Effect of depth of irrigation and level and time of nitrogen application on growth, yield and nutrient uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted on sandy-loam soil during the winter season of 1992–93 and 1993–94 at Kalyani, West Bengal, to study the effect of different depths of irrigation, viz. ¾ field capacity (FC), 1 FC, 3/2 FC and 2 FC (i.e. 4.5, 6, 9 and 12 cm water), levels of nitrogen (50 and 100 kg/ha) and its time of application (before irrigation and after irrigation) on plant height, yield attributes, yield and uptake of N, P and K by wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.). Irrigation level up to 1 FC resulted in significantly higher plant height, yield attributes, as well as grain and straw yields of wheat over the other levels of irrigation. Nitrogen @ 100 kg/ha when half of N top-dressed after irrigation recorded greater grain and straw yields and yield components. The highest uptake of N, P and K in grain and straw and total uptake of N, P and K were also recorded with 1 FC irrigation. Similarly, 100 kg N/ha and its top-dressing just after irrigation resulted in maximum N, P and K uptake in straw as well as grain of wheat crop. Total uptake of N, P and K by wheat crop showed the similar trend as in case of grain and straw with nitrogen application.