Effect of nitrogen fertilization on agro-physiological and quality parameters of dual-purpose wheat (Triticum aestivum)

An experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2015–16 and 2016–17 at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, to study the impact of different nitrogen level and scheduling on crop performance, canopy temperature depression; nitrogen (N) content, N uptake and protein content of dual-purpose wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The results revealed that, cutting of wheat at 55 days after sowing with 10-cm-stubble height did not show canopy temperature depression and yield reduction. The maximum fresh forage yield (4,303 kg/ha) was reported either when full dose or 66.6% of the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) was applied before cutting, but the maximum crop-growth rate (19.8 g/m²/day), grain yield (3331 kg/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.99:1) were observed in treatment receiving 33.3% of the RDN before the cut and 66.6% after the cut. Highest nitrogen uptake (63.30 kg/ha), nitrogen content (1.9%) and protein content (11.14%) were observed when 75 kg N/ha was applied and which was scheduled 1/3rd at sowing and 2/3rd after the cut. Split application and after cut N application was effective in increasing wheat grain yield and grain protein content.