Effect of zinc application on productivity, nutrient uptake and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties under different sowing conditions

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 2013–14 and 2014–15 at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to study the effects of sowing time and zinc application on productivity, nutrient uptake and economics of wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] varieties. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, replicated thrice with sowing times (normal and very late) and wheat varieties (‘HD 2967’, ‘WR 544’ and ‘HD 3059’) in mainplots and ZnSO₄.7H₂O application (control; 25 kg/ha soil application, 3 foliar sprays @ 0.5% at boot, anthesis and grain-filling stage; 25 kg/ha soil application + 1 foliar spray @ 0.5% at anthesis) in subplots. Very late sowing reduced the yield attributes, grain and straw yields (9.2 and 29.1%), total N, P, K, Zn uptake, net returns (22.9%) and benefit: cost ratio (23.3%) of wheat. ‘HD 2967’ wheat gave higher grain and straw yields and showed higher total N, P, Zn uptake, net returns and benefit: cost ratio. However, it showed the highest grain yield reduction (18%) with the late planting. Application of Zn did not significantly alter yield attributes, grain and straw yields, net returns and benefit: cost ratio, though this treatment increased the total N, K and Zn uptake (6.8, 5.4, and 9.9% respectively) over the control under 1.45 mg/kg soil available Zn.