Planting systems and integrated nutrient management for enhanced wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi 2004–05 and 2005–06 on sandy loam soil to assess the effect of ten integrated nutrient management practices (INM) under two planting systems [conventional and furrow irrigated raised bed (FIRB)] on wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.). The results revealed that FIRB planting registered higher mean spikes/m2, grains/spike and 1,000-grain weight resulting in 8.6% higher grain yield than conventional planting (4.36 tonne/ha). The higher grain and biological yield of wheat in FIRB planting led to higher NPK uptake, however, post harvest available NPK status of soil did not vary among two planting systems. The application of fertilizers (inorganic alone or inorganic with FYM) recorded significantly higher mean yield attributes and grain yield over control. Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) i.e. 120-26.4–50 kg N-P-K/ha along with 5 tonne FYM/ha + Biofertilizer (Azotobacter, PSB and VAM) + 25 kg ZnSO4/ha produced higher yield attributes resulting in 22% more grain yield than RDF (4.14 tonne/ha). The higher yield led to higher NPK uptake by wheat. Further, the available NPK content of soil also increased in above INM treatment over control. Highest net returns (Rs 27,067) were obtained in FIRB planting and with recommended dose of fertilizers + 5 tonne FYM/ha + Biofertilizer + 25 kg ZnSO₄/ha.