Effect of split application of potassium and nitrogen on wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth and yield under temperate Kashmir

An experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2013–14 and 2014–15 at research farm of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, to evaluate the effect of split application of potassium and nitrogen on growth and yield of wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Poal]. The experiment was set up in a split-plot design replicated thrice, consisting of 15 treatment combinations, viz. of potassium @ 30 kg/ha [K₁: 100% as basal dose-(RFP); K₂: 50% as basal dose + 50% at active tillering; K₃: as basal dose + 75% at active tillering] and 5 treatments of nitrogen @ 120 kg/ha in split ratios of [N₁: 50% as basal + 25% at jointing + 25% at booting stage (REP); 25% as basal dose + 75% at active tillering; N₃: 25% as basal dose + 50% at active tillering + 25% at booting; N₄: 50% as basal + 50% at active tillering; N₅: 0% as basal + 75% at active tillering + 25% at booting]. The results revealed that growth parameters and yield increased with the application of potassium in two equal splits in the ratio of 50: 50 as compared to the treatment where potassium was given in one split as 100% basal dose. Splitting of ptassium in the ratio of 50: 50 produced more grain yield by 10.57 and 11.48%, straw yield by 11.60 and 13.36% during the year 2013–14 and 2014–15, respectively over 100% as basal dose. Application of nitrogen in three splits with reduced basal dose in the ratio of 25: 50: 25 improved growth and yield as compared to recommended practice. The increase in grain and straw yield was 5.91 and 5.41% during the year 2013–14 and 4.46 and 3.86% during the year 2014–15, respectively. The benefit cost ratio with the application of potassium in two equal splits in the ratio of 50: 50 with reduced basal dose of nitrogen (25: 50: 25) was 2.06 as against 1.37 with recommended fertilizer practice. This seems to be economically viable and sustainable.