Effect of phosphorus and zinc nutrition of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in soils of sub-humid southern plains of Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted to study the individual and interactive effect of P and Zn on yield, nutrient composition and uptake of nutrients in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.). The grain and straw yields increased significantly with increasing doses of P and Zn. The interaction between P and Zn also had significantly beneficial effect on the yields of wheat. The content and uptake of N by wheat grain and straw increased significantly with P and Zn application. The content of P in grain and straw decreased but its uptake increased with applied Zn. There was adverse effect of higher level of Zn on P uptake and vice-versa. The content and uptake of Zn increased significantly with increasing levels of Zn. Variation of P: Zn ratio due to increasing level of P also indicated the reduction in Zn content in grain and straw.