Effect of foliar application of phosphorus and potassium on growth parameters and nutrient uptake of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment entitled “Effect of Foliar Application of Phosphorus and Potassium on Growth Parameters and Nutrient Uptake of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)” was conducted at ARS, Dhadesugur during the rabi season of 2024. The study evaluated the effect of foliar application of Phosphorus and Potassium using Potassium Salt of Active Phosphorus (PSAP, KH₂PO₃) and Mono Potassium Phosphate (MKP, KH₂PO₄) on growth and nutrient uptake of wheat. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eight treatments, each replicated thrice. The results revealed that treatment T3 (100% Recommended Package of Practices + foliar spray of MKP @ 5 g l-1 at 30 and 60 DAS) recorded significantly higher growth parameters such as plant height (98.87 cm), leaf area (673.22 cm² plant-1), leaf area index (2.24) and total dry matter production (28.44 g plant-1). This treatment also showed higher uptake of nutrients viz., Nitrogen (98.79 kg ha-1), Phosphorus (36.58 kg ha-1), and Potassium (109.00 kg ha-1) and was statistically on par with treatment T2, which received the foliar spray of PSAP. The lowest growth parameters and nutrient uptake were recorded in treatment T8 (absolute control). Based on these findings, it is concluded that foliar application of MKP @ 5 g l-1 at 30 and 60 DAS, along with the recommended package of practices, improved the growth and nutrient uptake of wheat, thereby contributing to higher yield potential.