Effect of split and organic nitrogen applications on performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a mid-hill environment

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2023-24 at the Research Farm of School of Agriculture, Abhilashi University, Mandi (H.P.), to evaluate the effect of nitrogen management on the growth and yield of wheat under mid-hill conditions. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with seven nitrogen management treatments replicated three times. The field experiments were carried out with seven treatments of nitrogen management as T1 = Control, T2 = 100% RDF, T3 = 50% N as basal + 50% N after 1st irrigation, T4 = 25% N as basal + 25% N after 2nd irrigation + 50% N through FYM as basal, T5 = 25% N as basal + 75% N through FYM as basal,T6 = 50% N as basal + 50% N through FYM as basal, T7 = 50% N as basal + 25% N after 1st irrigation + 25% N after 2nd irrigation. Results revealed that nitrogen management significantly influenced growth attributes such as plant height, number of tillers, dry matter accumulation, and yield parameters. Among all treatments, T₄ (25% N as basal + 25% N after 2nd irrigation + 50% N through FYM) and T₇ (50% N as basal + 25% N after 1st irrigation + 25% N after 2nd irrigation) consistently recorded higher values for tiller count, dry matter production and grain yield. The superiority of these treatments is attributed to the balanced and sustained release of nitrogen throughout the crop growth stages, enhancing nutrient use efficiency. The study concludes that integrated nitrogen application, combining organic and inorganic sources in split doses, is an effective strategy for improving wheat productivity in the mid-hill region of Himachal Pradesh.