Effect of Phosphorus and Mulching on the Uptake of Secondary Nutrients and Productivity of Wheat at Different Growth Stages on an Alfisol from Western Himalayas

Field experiments were conducted on a mountainous Alfisol during two rabi seasons (1990–91 and 1991–92) to study the influence of P and different mulching materials (Pinus longifolia, Lantana and polyethylene) on the uptake of secondary nutrients (Ca and Mg), dry-matter yield at tillering and flowering stages and grain and straw yields at harvesting stage of wheat (S-308). The application of phosphorus, 60–180 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, increased significantly the uptake of nutrients and drymatter yield at tillering and flowering stages whereas the productivity of grain and straw, at harvest stage. The moderation in soil hydro-thermal regime following mulching had a significant additive effect on the uptake of secondary nutrients and the productivity.