Nutrient management in wheat (Triticum aestivum) for improving grain yield, nutrient-use efficiency and profitability

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2016-17 at Agriculture Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to study the effect of nutrient management (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels) on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 8 treatments [control, recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF: 150 N + 60 P₂O₅ + 40 K₂O kg/ha), 150% RDF, 150% PK, 150% NK, 150% NP, Green Seeker-guided nitrogen application at the 2nd irrigation (P₂O₅ and K₂O as RDF dose) and RDF + 10 t FYM/ha]. Various yield attributes of wheat showed significant variation under different levels of NPK and Green Seeker-based precision nutrient management. It was observed that, an application of 150% of recommended dose of fertilizer (225 N + 90 P₂O₅ + 60 K₂O kg/ha) resulted in the highest yield and net returns. However, Green Seeker-guided nitrogen application saved fertilizer nitrogen (32 kg/ha) without significant reduction in yield than blanket recommendation of recommended dose of fertilizer in ‘HD 2967’ wheat. In terms of grain-yield increment, it was found that there was 10.6% increase of grain yield by 150% NPK compared to RDF and 7.8% yield increase over 150% NP. In case of economic returns, 12.95% profit increment was achieved by 150% RDF over RDF. So, 150% NPK application to wheat crop at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is fruitful for farmers point of view for improvement of low N-use efficiency.