Effect of different nutrient management on yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

The experiment was undertaken at the Research Farm of the Agriculture Department, Maharishi Markandeshwar (DU), Mullana-Ambala during Rabi season of 2022-23. The experiment used a randomized block design with eight treatments: control (T1), 100% NPK (T2), 100% NPK + Zinc at 2.5 kg ha-1 (T3), 100% NPK + Zinc at 5 kg ha-1 (T4), 100% NPK + Vermicompost (VC) at 1 t ha-1 (T5), 100% NPK + VC at 2 t ha-1 (T6), 100% NPK + VC at 1 t ha-1 + Zinc at 2.5 kg ha-1 (T7), and 100% NPK + VC at 1 t ha-1 + Zinc at 5 kg ha-1 (T8). The seed of wheat cv. HD-3086 (Pusa Gutami) was sown on 16 November 2022 at 22.5 cm row spacing by using a seed rate of 100 kg ha-1. The study's key findings showed that T6 produced the maximum count of effective tillers (429 m-2), spike length (11.1 cm), count of grains per spike (54.67), grain yield (54.24 q ha-1), straw yield (62.86 q ha-1), and the maximum gross return (Rs. 154,554.8 ha-1) and net return (Rs. 103,737.3 ha-1). Treatment T8 also demonstrated superior results with significant grain yield (50.50 q ha-1), straw yield (61.70 q ha-1), highest 1000-grain weight (46.7 g) and benefit-cost ratio (2.13). Statistical analysis using OPSTAT software confirmed that integrating vermicompost and chemical fertilizers resulted in higher yields and economic benefits compared to control and solely chemical treatments. The combination of 100% NPK with VC and Zinc also improved wheat crop production highlighting the advantage of integrated nutrient management. Conclusion, the study recommends the application of either T6 or T8 for optimal yield and economic returns in wheat cultivation, enhancing productivity and supporting sustainable agriculture by improving soil health and resource use efficiency.