Nitrogen Manag in Wheat

NITROGEN MANAGEMENT IN WHEAT UNDER
IRRIGATED CONDITIONS
Thesis submitted to the

University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
Degree of
Master of Science (Agriculture)

In
AGRONOMY
By
N. RAMU
DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, DHARWAD
UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
DHARWAD - 580 005
DECEMBER, 2008
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
DHARWAD (B. N. PATIL)

DECEMBER, 2008 MAJOR ADVISOR
Approved by :
Chairman : ____________________________
(B. N. PATIL)
Members : 1. __________________________
(S. C. ALAGUNDAGI)
2. __________________________
(Y. B. PALLED)
3. __________________________
(A. B. KHOT)
4. __________________________
(H. T. CHANNAL)
CONTENTS
Sl. No. Chapter Particulars

CERTIFICATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF PLATES
LIST OF APPENDICES
1 INTRODUCTION
2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Effect of extended split application of N in wheat
2.2 Calibration of SPAD meter readings with N application rates
2.3 Economic returns of N management in wheat
3 MATERIAL AND METHODS
3.1 Experimental site
3.2 Characteristics of experimental site
3.3 Climatic condition
3.4 Experimental details
3.5 Cultural operations
3.6 Collection of experimental data
3.7 Chemical analysis of plant samples
3.8 Chemical analysis of soil samples
3.9 Economic analysis
3.10 Observations from farmers field
3.11 Statistical analysis of data
3.12 Correlation studies
4 EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
4.1 Growth components of wheat as influenced by different levels
of time and nitrogen application on Research station (Mother
trial)
4.2 Studies on crop yield
4.3 Yield attributes
Contd…..
Sl. No. Chapter Particulars

4.4 Nitrogen uptake by the crop (kg/ha)
4.5 Grain protein content (%)
4.6 Available nutrients in soil (kg/ha)
4.7 Economic analysis
4.8 Results of farmers field trial (Baby trials)
4.9 Studies on crop yield
4.10 Yield attributes
4.11 Nitrogen uptake by the crop (kg/ha)
4.12 Grain protein content (%)
4.13 Available nutrients in soil (kg/ha)
5 DISCUSSION
5.1 Weather and crop growth
5.2 Effect of different levels and time of nitrogen application on
growth and growth components
5.3 Effect of time of nitrogen application on SPAD meter
readings
5.4 Effect of different levels and time of N application on yield
and yield attributes
5.5 Grain protein content of wheat as influenced by different
levels and time of N application
5.6 Effect of different levels and time of nitrogen application on
nitrogen uptake
5.8 Economics
5.9 Practical utility of the results
5.10 Future line of work
6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
LIST OF TABLES
Table
Title
No.
1 Physical and chemical properties of soil of the experimental site
2 Monthly meteorological data for the experimental year (2007-08),

Mean rainfall of past 22 years (1984-2006), Mean temperature and
relative humidity of past one years (2006-2007) of the Water
Management Research Centre (WMRC), Belvatagi, Dharwad
(Karnataka)
3 Plant height of wheat as influenced by different levels and time of N

application
4 Number of tillers per m row length of wheat at different growth stage

as influenced by different levels and time of N application
5 Dry matter accumulation (g per m row length) in leaf, stem and ear
head of wheat as influenced by different levels and time of N
application
6 Total dry matter production of wheat as influenced by different levels

and time of N application
7 Chlorophyll content of wheat estimated through SPAD meter as

influenced by different levels and time of N application
8 Leaf area of wheat as influenced by different levels and time of N

application
9 Leaf area index and leaf area duration (days) of wheat as influenced
by different levels and time of N application
10 Grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of wheat as influenced by

different levels and time of N application
11 Number of grains, grain weight per ear head, thousand grain weight
and number of ear heads per sq. m. of wheat as influenced by
12 Nitrogen uptake (kg/ha) by grains, straw, total nitrogen uptake and

protein content (%) of wheat as influenced by different levels and time
of N application
13 Available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil after harvest of

wheat as influenced by different levels and time of N application
Contd…..
Table
Title
No.
14 Cost of cultivation, gross returns, net returns and benefit cost ratio of

16 Grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of wheat as influenced by

17 Number of grains, grain weight per ear head, thousand grain weight
and number of ear heads per sq. m. of wheat as influenced by
18 Nitrogen uptake (kg/ha) by grains, straw, total nitrogen uptake and

protein content (%) of wheat influenced by different levels and time of
N application
19 Available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil after harvest of

20 Correlation coefficient (r) between grain yield (q/ha) and growth

parameters, yield and protein content of wheat as influenced by levels
and time of nitrogen applications
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
Title
No.
1 Monthly meteorological data for the experimental year (2007-08),

mean rainfall of past 22 years (1984-2006), mean temperature
and relative humidity of past two years (2006-2007 and 2007-08)
of the Water Management Research Centre (WMRC), Belvatagi,
UAS, Dharwad (Karnataka)
2.1 Plan of layout - Research Station (Mother Trial)
2.2 Plan of layout - Farmers Field (Baby Trials)
3 Total dry matter production (g/m row length) at different growth

stages of wheat as influenced by time and levels of nitrogen
application on Research station

5 Grain and straw yield (q/ha) of wheat as influenced by different

levels and time of nitrogen application on Research station
6 Net returns (Rs./ha) of wheat cultivation as influenced by different

levels and time of nitrogen application on Research station
7 Grain yield and straw yield (q/ha) as influenced by different levels

and time of nitrogen application on Farmers field
LIST OF PLATES
Plate Title
No.
1 General view of wheat crop on Research station
2 General view of wheat crop on Farmers field
3 Treatment details
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Title
No.
I Prices of inputs and outputs
II Cost of cultivation of different treatments

1. INTRODUCTION
Wheat is one of the most important staple food crops of India grown in diverse agro-
climatic conditions from 11°N- 35°N latitude and 72°E- 92°E longitudes. Wheat (Triticum spp.)
a feeding bowl to mankind occupies a premier position of all the staple food grain crops and
an intellectual challenge that posses in a range of biological disciplines, archaeology, social
and economic history. It is grown around the world across a wide range of environments and
more land is devoted to the production of wheat than any other crop. It is a number one food
grain consumed directly by human beings and it is estimated that more than 35 per cent of
the world population depends on wheat. It supplies more nutrients, particularly essential
amino acids than any other single crop. Because of all these attributes, wheat has a primary
position in WTO.
In India, wheat is the second most important food crop next to rice and it contributes
nearly 35 per cent to the national food basket. Its contribution to the green revolution is
significant. Among winter cereals, it contributes about 49 per cent of food grain production.
During the year 2007-08, wheat was grown over an area of -27.7 m.ha with a production of
-1
78.4 m.t. with an average productivity of 2830 kg ha (Anon., 2008).
In Karnataka, wheat is grown in typical hot tropical climate, characterized by

prevalence of high temperature during the crop growth. It is grown over an area of 2.66 lakh
ha (both rainfed and irrigated) with a production of 2.84 lakh tonnes (2005-2006) and
-1
productivity of 1067 kg ha (Anon., 2006).
Cereal yields are determined by varietal potential, management practices and

environmental conditions. Wheat cultivation in peninsular India is exposed to severe high
temperature stress which affects the growth and yield of wheat. However, wheat is an
important rabi crop and its cultivation is still traditionally important in this region both for grain
and fodder purpose.
Introduction of Mexican dwarf and semi dwarf wheat varieties and replace of all tall
varieties, brought miraculous change and revolutionized wheat production in India. Fertilizers
and irrigation development have also contributed a great deal towards increase in production
of wheat. These dwarf wheat varieties have a high yielding potential and respond well to
applied fertilizers under irrigated conditions.
The rate of annual growth of wheat production and yield showed a peak during early
years of green revolution but since then there has been a decline in its growth rate. Wheat
productivity could be enhanced by minimizing research gap (potential yield and experimental
yield) and management gap (actual experimental yield and farmers field yield). This has to
come through improving efficiency of present agricultural system and stabilizing the
productivity level with appropriate management practices.
Among the nutrients, nitrogen plays an important role in wheat production. Low level
of nitrogen results in lower yield and higher level of nitrogen causes environmental pollution
and also increases cost of cultivation.
Indian soils are deficient in nitrogen. Deficiency of this major element is a limiting
factor in crop production in this country. It is, therefore, required to be added in appropriate
quantity to the soil at a time when it could be best utilized by the crop plant for their optimum
responses for increasing yield of wheat.
The fact that high yielding varieties of wheat possess high yield potential is
undoubtedly associated with their tendency to consume high dose of nitrogen. But the
efficiency utilization of added nitrogen fertilizer is about 50 to 70 percent, as applied nitrogen
is subjected to various kinds of losses. In order to get maximum benefit from nitrogen nutrient,
it should not only be applied in right quantity but also at right time. Application of nitrogen not
synchronizing with the demand of the plant may result in various losses (Verma and
Srivastava, 1989).
Because of intensive agriculture involving exhaustive HYV of cereals, particularly of
wheat lead to heavy withdrawal of nutrients from the soil. The productivity of a crop is
controlled by many factors of which the mineral nutrition specially “Nitrogen” is by and large
the most important factor, as nitrogen recovery in wheat is only 35-50 percent on account
heavy and imbalanced use of chemical fertilizes at improper time.
Efficient use of nitrogen fertilizer is important to economical wheat production and to

the quality of ground and surface waters. Insufficient nitrogen fertilizer results in reduced
wheat yield and reduced profit, compared to a properly fertilized wheat crop. However,
excessive nitrogen produces wheat plants that are susceptible to disease, resulting in
reduced yield and increased input cost. The potential for nitrate (NO3) enrichment of ground
and surface waters also increases with excessive nitrogen fertilization.
Researchers have been looking for ways and means to increase the efficiency of
fertilizer nitrogen use. In recent years, intensive management studies have shown that split
topdressing of fertilizer nitrogen recommendation and indirect assessment of nitrogen through
SPAD meter may improve N efficiency vis-à-vis enhance yield levels.
Time of nitrogen top dressing has a significant role in higher productivity of the crop.
Nitrogen application of higher quantity as basal dose reduces the availability of nitrogen at
peak growth of the crop resulting in low yield of crop which is the usual practice. Therefore to
sustain the land and achieve production potential and better grain quality the split application
of nitrogen and their scientific management is important.
In the context of above observation, present investigation was carried out to “Study
the Nitrogen Management in Wheat under Irrigated Conditions” at Water Management
Research Centre, Belvatagi and at three farmer’s fields in Karlavada village of Dharwad
district with the following objectives.
1. To asses the effect of extended split application of nitrogen in wheat
2. To calibrate SPAD meter readings with nitrogen application rates and
3. To work out the economic returns of nitrogen management in wheat

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Information gained from previous research serves to establish a basic frame work for
the proposed study. This section will provide background information. Published literature
pertaining to N management effect on the performance of wheat has been reviewed in this
chapter. The reviews have been classified into the following sub-headings for drawing explicit
information.
2.1 Effect of extended split application of N in wheat
2.2 Calibration of SPAD meter readings with N application rates
2.3 Economic returns of N management in wheat
2.1 EFFECT OF EXTENDED SPLIT APPLICATION OF N IN

WHEAT
Nitrogen is an important constituent of plant protoplasm, proteins, nucleic acid and
chlorophyll. It is also present in small and varying amount in amines, amino acids, amino
sugars and polypeptides. It plays vital role both during vegetative and reproductive phases of
the crop. Among major plant nutrients, nitrogen is more important in increasing wheat yield
but it is most frequently found deficient as applied nitrogen is subjected to various kinds of
losses viz., i) Runoff, ii) Ammonia volatilization, iii) Leaching and iv) Denitrification (Prasad
and Power, 1997). Nitrogen fertilizer application at sowing is not necessarily optimal or
sufficient for stable grain yield and quality formation of wheat. Therefore, precise timing of
nitrogen application to wheat during various phases of its growth and development is an
important factor to match actual requirement influencing the yield as well as quality of grain.
2.1.1 Effect of split application of nitrogen on growth characters

Sharma and Kumar (1972) reported that application of half nitrogen at sowing and
half nitrogen at second irrigation produced maximum dry matter closely followed by
application at the rate of one fourth at sowing + one fourth at first irrigation + half at second
irrigation.
Khalifa (1973) observed that early nitrogen application effectively increased leaf area
duration (LAD) by increasing the leaf area index (LAI) towards the time of ear emergence,
while late application of N had very little effect on LAI and consequently on LAD after ear
emergence.
Sinha (1973) reported that time of application did not cause significant difference in
dry weight of wheat at any stage except at boot stage when single application of nitrogen
gave significantly higher plant dry weight than with three split application.
Sewaram et al. (1975) noticed taller wheat plants with application of 120 kg N per ha
applied as 50 per cent nitrogen at sowing and 50 percent nitrogen at second irrigation than
other split applications.
Sandhu and Gill (1976) found that the dry matter accumulation was higher with
application of all nitrogen at sowing in lower dose of 40 kg per ha than with two or three split
applications. The dry matter was higher with more than 80 kg N per ha in two to three split
applications than applied in single dose at sowing.
At Dharwad, on medium black soil under irrigated conditions, application of nitrogen

levels (80 and 120 kg / ha) in two splits, half at sowing and remaining half at 25 days after
sowing recorded higher LAI, plant height, dry matter production per m row length than
application of nitrogen all at sowing or in three splits (one third each at sowing, 25 and 55
DAS) or in four splits (one fourth each at sowing, 25, 55 and 70 DAS) (Halikatti, 1980).
Strong (1986) stated that tillering was enhanced by N applied either before sowing or
during tillering where as application after tillering increased grain size and protein
concentration in grain of irrigated wheat in Australia.
Ananda (2004) reported that split application of N as half basal + one fourth at 30
DAS + one fourth at 60 DAS recorded maximum dry matter production, plant height, number
of tillers and maximum leaf area.
Pasha (2005) reported that plant height, dry matter production and leaf area did not
vary significantly between two splits (one third N as basal + two third at first node stage) and
three splits (half N as basal + one fourth N at tillering + one fourth N at tillering).The level of N
applied was 120 kg per hector.
From the above cited literature, it is evident that proper dose and time of application
of fertilizer to maintain availability in adequate amount at active growth stages of plant can
check not only their losses but increase the efficiency of added fertilizers due to efficient
uptake and recovery.
2.1.2 Effect of split application of nitrogen on yield and yield components

At Bichpuri (Agra), on sandy loam soil, application of nitrogen in two splits (25% at the
time of sowing and rest after two months after sowing) gave maximum grain yield, where as
the straw yield was maximum with 25 percent at the time of sowing and rest after one month
after sowing over other fractional application of nitrogen (Sharma et al., 1966).
Tiwari and Singh (1966) in deep black soils at Powerkheda (MP) observed that
application of nitrogen either full at the sowing or half at sowing and half at first irrigation gave
similar yields, and both accounting for significantly higher grain yield as compared to full
nitrogen dose given at first irrigation.
Bharadwaj and Wright (1967) suggested applying two-third nitrogen at sowing and
one-third at first irrigation for realizing maximum grain yield of wheat.
Patel et al. (1968) observed that time of nitrogen application brought about significant
difference on yield and the results were in favour of three splits (one third before sowing +
one third at first irrigation + one third before flowering) on sandy loam at Anand (Gujarat).
Thakur and Srivastava (1969) reported that maximum grain and straw yield obtained
when N was applied as one-fourth N at sowing + half at three leaf stage + one-fourth at
tillering stage.
Gill et al. (1970) observed that application of 132 kg N per ha in two equal splits
produced 7 q per ha more grain yield than full N applied at sowing and 6.6 q more than with
three splits. Two splits gave higher number of tillers, maximum number of grains per ear
which was 18 per cent more than whole nitrogen at sowing and 10 per cent more than three
splits, gave significantly higher grain weight per ear than all at sowing and with three split
applications.
Sharma and Mahendra Singh (1971) reported that nitrogen applied in three equal
splits at sowing, at first irrigation and at late tillering stage gave highest yields (5.46 t/ha) than
when applied in a single dressing or in two split dressings (4.83 to 5.39 t/ha).
Sharma and Kumar (1972) found that higher grain yield was obtained with application
of 25 per cent N at sowing + 25 per cent N at first irrigation + 50 per cent N at second
irrigation than when N was applied on other timings.
Khalifa (1973) noticed that second application of N given early in the growing season
had more effect on yield than that applied at ear emergence.
Sinha (1973) opined that split application of N showed some superiority in increasing
grain and straw yield over single application in sandy loam soil at IARI, New Delhi.
Dhakar (1975) found out increased grain yield that with holding application of nitrogen
at the time of sowing and applying in splits at first and second irrigation.
Sewaram et al. (1975) reported that application of 120 kg N per ha in two equal
installments of 50 per cent at sowing and 50 per cent at the time of second irrigation recorded
the maximum yield of 50.69 q per ha than application of whole nitrogen at sowing, 75 per cent
at sowing + 25 per cent at second irrigation, 25 per cent at sowing + 75 per cent at second
irrigation and 50 per cent at sowing + 50 per cent through foliage in five equal sprays of 3 per
cent urea solution. Also application of 50 per cent N at sowing + 50 per cent at second
irrigation produced maximum number of grains per ear, tillers and ear length.
Sinha (1975) reported that application of nitrogen up to tiller initiation stage

contributed significantly towards yield, whereas application at jointing stage and thereafter
reflected on the nutrient uptake.
Gill and Abichandani (1976) suggested that application of full nitrogen dose at sowing
or half N at sowing + half N at first irrigation did not show any significant difference in
increasing the grain yield.
Hamid and Sarwar (1976) studied that the effect of split application of 120 kg N per
ha on wheat in a single application at sowing or at tillering, or six split application at sowing,
tillering, heading, flowering and milk ripe stage. Nitrogen applied in two split applications was
more effective for grain yield.
At Nagpur, on clay soil, yields of wheat grain and straw were increased significantly
due to application of 15 kg N through soil and remaining 15 kg N through two foliar sprays
given at maximum tillering and flag leaf stages and further they observed this method was
found to be more economical than that of applying all the nitrogen through soil at sowing time
(Bhalerao and Sahasrabuddhe, 1977).
Langer (1978) reported increased number of spike lets per ear, number of ears per
unit area and grain set when nitrogen was supplied to wheat at tillering stage than when
nitrogen was supplied at floret differentiation stage.
Doughterty et al. (1978) found that nitrogen applied at tillering increased grain yield
by increasing the number of ears and spikelets per ear.
Sandhu et al. (1978) stated that increased number of nitrogen application increased
the grain yield, tiller number per plant and number of grains per ear. Applying nitrogen in two
splits half at sowing and half at second irrigation gave significantly higher yields than with
second application at first irrigation and with first application at first irrigation.
Halikatti (1980) observed that nitrogen application in two splits as half at sowing and
half at 25 days after sowing produced higher grain and straw yields over nitrogen application
all at sowing or in three splits or in four splits both at 80 and 120 kg N per ha doses.
Gami et al. (1986) found that application of 120 kg N per ha, half at sowing in seed
rows + half side dressing at first irrigation (21 DAS) increased the plant height, spike length,
effective tillers, spikelets per spike and grain weight and gave significantly higher yield (36.69
q/ha) as compared to half placed in furrows at sowing plus half as foliar spray at 45 days after
sowing or two third placed in furrows at sowing plus one third as foliar spray 35 days after
sowing on clayey soil at Junagadh (Gujarat).
Strong (1986) reported that N application before sowing and during tillering gave
more yield than dressing after tillering or applied as several sub optional dressing between
tillering and flowering.
In sandy clay loam soil at Ranchi, application of 120 kg N per ha (50% at sowing and
50% at CRI after first irrigation) gave highest grain yield of 35.65 q per ha as compared to top
dressing of N half as basal plus half at CRI before first irrigation and 10 per cent basal + 60
per cent at CRI before first irrigation + 30 per cent at jointing (Verma and Srivastava, 1989).
Bhopalsingh and Singh (1991) recorded significant increase in grains per ear, grain
weight per ear and grain yield with the application of 120 kg N per ha in three splits (25% at
CRI, 50% at tillering and 25% at jointing) as compared to the recommended practice of N
application (half N at sowing and half at first irrigation) on silty clay loam soil at Palampur.
Dhuka et al. (1992) on loamy sand soil at Junagadh (Gujarat) stated that application
of nitrogen in three splits as half at basal + one-fourth top dressed at 21-25 DAS + one-fourth
top dressed at 35-40 DAS increased the grain and straw yields by 49.9 and 23.9 per cent,
respectively over no split and by 9.0 and 11.0 per cent over two splits (half N top dressed at
21-25 DAS plus half to N dressed at 35-40 DAS).
Stark and Tindall (1992) in their study opined that maximum spring wheat grain yield
and test weight could be obtained by applying the bulk of seasonal nitrogen requirements at
sowing and then applying single or double split nitrogen application at anthesis on stem
elongation and anthesis.
Fischer (1993) reported that grain yield ranged from 170 to 750 g per m2 across N
fertilizer treatments and the response to N was not reduced with applications as late as the
2
onset of stem elongation. Grain yield was very closely correlated with kernels per m and with
total biomass production. kernel numbers was inturn closely correlated with spike dry weight
(g/m2) at anthesis and with crop dry weight accumulation during the spike growth phase
commencing first week before flag leaf emergence. Kernels per unit spike weight was
unaffected by nitrogen but dry matter partioning to growing spike was increased by early N
stress.
A study conducted at Eastern Canada in clay loam soil by Ayoub et al. (1994)
revealed that split application of nitrogen fertilizer (60% at sowing + 40% at heading) had little
effect on yield but reduced the risk of lodging and caused an increased 1000- kernel weight,
when compared with application of all the fertilizer nitrogen at sowing.
On black clayey soil at Indore (MP) under irrigated condition, split application of the
recommended dose of 120 kg N per ha as 10-25 per cent at sowing, 50-60 per cent at CRI
stage and 20-30 per cent at late jointing stage produced significantly higher number of
effective tillers per meter spikelets, grains per spike, grain weight per spike and highest yield
of grain as well as straw in comparison to other combination of split application of nitrogen
(Deshmukh et al., 1994).
At Morena (UP) on sandy loam soil, application of urea as split, half of the total
amount was applied as basal and remaining half applied after irrigation gave significantly
higher yield than split application of urea before irrigation (Rajput and Verma, 1994).
Dighe et al. (1994) noted that splitting of nitrogen fertilizer dose into three splits (10%
nitrogen as basal + 60% nitrogen at CRI top dressed + 30% nitrogen at late jointing) plus
basal P2O5 recorded the highest yield and was significant over three splits of nitrogen and
phosphorus (10% N + 10% P2O5) as basal + (60% N + 60% P2O5) top dressed at CRI and
(30% N + 30% P2O5) top dressed at late jointing stage in bunds. However, it was on par with
2 nitrogen split + basal P2O5 (50% N + full dose of P2O5 or basal + 50% N at CRI top dressed
in bunds close to roots) on clayey soil at Indore(MP).
Deor and Pathik (1997) reported that application of nitrogen not exceeding beyond 60
kg per ha applied in equal splits i.e. half N at sowing + half N one month after sowing on clay
loam soil at Sunder Nagar (HP) caused enhancement in grain and straw yield as compared to
full nitrogen applied at sowing.
At Bangoli (MP) on a clay loam soil, Patel (1999) reported that application of N in a
ratio of 50: 25: 25 per cent at sowing, 21 and 45 DAS, respectively recorded significant
improvement in growth and yield parameters i.e. plant height, number of productive tillers per
plant, length of panicle, number of grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, higher grain yield
and straw yield as compared to other methods of nitrogen application.
Application of nitrogen at 100 kg per ha half nitrogen as basal plus half nitrogen just
after first irrigation as top dressing recorded higher grain and straw yields of wheat as
compared to nitrogen top dressed before irrigation leading to more leaching loss beyond the
crop root zone depth (Sarena and Jana, 2001).
Samra and Dhillon (2002) reported that application of nitrogen in two splits i.e. half at
sowing and half at CRI stage remarkably improved the grain and straw yields on sandy loam
soil at Ludhiana (Punjab) over all the other split application.
Ananda (2004) reported that among split application of nitrogen, nitrogen applied as
half basal + one-fourth at 30 DAS + one-fourth at 60 DAS recorded higher grain and straw
yields as compared to nitrogen applied as half basal + half at 30 DAS.
From the above cited literature, it is pinpointed that split application had beneficial
effect on yield and yield components. It is therefore, required to be added split nitrogen in
appropriate quantity to the soil at a time when it could be best utilized by crop plants for their
optimum response for increased yield of wheat grains.
2.1.3 Nitrogen percentage

Singh and Singh (1975) reported that application of increased levels of nitrogen up to
150 kg per ha significantly increased the grain and straw nitrogen percentage. Similarly,
increase in grain and straw nitrogen percentage have been reported by Gill et al. (1970),
Sandhu and Gill (1976).
Gill et al. (1970) stated that three splits gave maximum grain nitrogen percentage
followed by two splits, whole at sowing and there was no appreciable effect on straw nitrogen
percentage. Similarly, Sandhu and Gill (1976) and Langer (1978) observed higher nitrogen
content with split application.
Shrotriya and Misra (1977) noticed increased leaf nitrogen content at flowering and
grain filling stages with increase in application of nitrogen from 0 to 24 kg per ha.
Sinha (1973) suggested that higher nitrogen percentage in the wheat plant at tillering
with single nitrogen application as compared to two and three split application. But at boot
stage, single and two split application proved significantly superior to three splits though
highest percentage of nitrogen was observed in plants receiving two split application of
nitrogen.
Halikatti (1980) found that application of N in four splits recorded higher N percentage
in whole wheat plants, straw and grains over application of N all at sowing or with two splits or
three splits in both 80 and 120 kg N per ha doses.
Varis and Jauti (1975) reported that increase in protein percentage with increased
number of split application of N.
Brunette et al. (1975) indicated that nitrate reductase activity at earing stage was a
measure of available nitrogen for protein synthesis. Petkov (1976) recorded 17.5 per cent
protein with split dressing and 16.8 per cent with autumn single application. Pal and Sharma
(1977) observed no marked difference in grain protein content with single or split application
of nitrogen.
Singh and Singh (1975) reported that protein percentage increased from 9.6 to 14.4
with increased levels of nitrogen from 0 to 190 kg per ha.
Grain protein content was increased with number of nitrogen application, with each
per cent increase in grain protein content yellow berry incidence decreased indicating yellow
berry content was highly negatively correlated with protein content (Patil and Kuspe, 1978).
Pharande et al. (1988) at Niphad, Maharashtra indicated that application of half dose
of ‘N’ and ‘P at first irrigation and remaining half at second irrigation resulted in maximum
protein content (14.10%) in wheat grain. Further, they observed that dressing with N and P
fertilizers up to third irrigation gave significantly higher values over the recommended dose.
From the above literature, it is evident that the nitrogen percentage increased with
increased in levels of application and number of splits and nitrogen percentage varies with
soil type and yield at large.
2.1.4 Protein content

Nitrogen is an important constituent of plant proteins and is most frequently deficient
element. Protein content of wheat flour is the principle factor in determining its baking
properties (Bequtte et al., 1963). Demand for nitrogen is greatest during the periods of rapid
growth and declines towords maturity. Application of nitrogen is known to increase the protein
content of grain (Johanson et. al., 1973). Nitrogen application mainly enhances the Gladin
and Glutenin fractions of wheat (Brunette et. al., 1975).
Dutta and Seth (1970) at New Delhi observed that application of half of nitrogen at
the time of first irrigation followed by foliar application of the rest at the time of heading
resulted in maximum protein content of both wheat grain and straw (12.40% and 1.94%,
respectively). In another study, application of nitrogen in three splits recorded maximum grain
protein percentage as compared to two splits and whole at sowing (Gill et al., 1970).
However, there was no appreciable effect on straw nitrogen percentage.
Jaisinghani et al. (1970) at Udaipur noticed increased protein content with increase
in nitrogen levels while, carbohydrates decreased and other quality characters like soluble
substances, crude fiber, mineral matter and moisture per cent did not indicate any significant
difference. Further, they found that time of application of nitrogen in two or three splits did not
result in any significant variation either in grain yield or protein per cent in grain.
Hamid and Sarwar (1976) observed that nitrogen application significantly increased
protein content in grain and splitting nitrogen into six doses further increased the protein
content over single or two split application.
At Palampur on silt clay loam soil, Bhopal Singh and Singh (1991) noticed increase in
crude protein content in grains with the treatments receiving split application of nitrogen at
three stages (25% at CRI stage + 50% at tillering and 25% at jointing stage) as compared to
recommended practices of nitrogen application.
Fischer (1993) concluded that with delay in single nitrogen dressing, grain protein
content increased only with dressing after onset of stem elongation.
With increase in the production of wheat to the levels of self sufficiency and in a
comfortable position where in India can export sizable amount of wheat, the focus is on
improving the quality of wheat which is a complex phenomenon and is influenced by several
factors (Sardana, 2000). Fowler (2003) indicted that grain protein concentration may be a
useful post-harvest indicator of nitrogen deficiencies for crops that are under nitrogen stress.
2.1.5 Nitrogen uptake

Dutta and Seth (1970) at New Delhi found that application of half nitrogen at the time
of first irrigation and remaining half as foliar spray at heading increased the uptake of nitrogen
considerably by wheat plants.
Sharma and Kumar (1972) concluded that application of nitrogen one-fourth at

sowing + one-fourth at first irrigation + one-fourth at second irrigation + one-fourth as foliar
spray recorded maximum uptake of nitrogen than applying nitrogen in other timings.
Sinha (1973) reported that higher nitrogen percentage in the wheat plant at tillering
with single nitrogen application as compared to two and three split application. But at boot leaf
stage, single and two split application proved significantly superior to three split application
though highest percentage of nitrogen was observed in plants receiving two split application
of nitrogen.
Singh and Singh (1975) reported that application of increased levels of nitrogen up to
150 kg per ha significantly increased its uptake in grain and straw.
Sinha (1975) found that application of 20 kg, 60 kg and 120 kg N per ha at sowing
increased nitrogen uptake by 42,118 and 183 per cent, respectively.
Singh (1976) observed that increasing nitrogen rates from 0 to 180 kg per ha
increased its uptake from 22.5 kg to 110.44 kg per ha, respectively.
Sandhu and Gill (1976) found highest nitrogen uptake with three split application of
nitrogen. At Dharwad, on medium black soil under irrigated condition, application of 120 kg N
per ha (half at sowing half at 25 days after sowing) recorded significantly higher nitrogen
uptake (136.35 kg/ha) than application of 80 kg N per ha (117.70 kg/ha) (Halikatti, 1980).
Singh and Seth (1978) observed that nitrogen uptake by different plant parts of dwarf
wheat variety increased with applied nitrogen. Of the total N uptake by the plant, 75 per cent
was in chaff + rachis and six per cent in straw.
Sinha (1981) at New Delhi in sandy loam soil observed higher N uptake by wheat
with two split application of nitrogen at sowing and stem extension than that of single
application.
At Karnal, on sandy loam soil, maximum ‘N ‘uptake (89. 2 and 88.6 kg/ha during
1981-82 and 1982-83, respectively) was observed with 130 kg N per ha as urea, applied one-
fourth as basal and one-fourth each at first, second and third irrigation. Higher uptake in more
splits could be due to less losses of applied N through volatilization and increased N use
efficiency (Gurbachan Singh, 1986)
Dhuka et al. (1992) on loamy sand soil at Junagadh (Gujarat) reported that
application of N in three splits ( half N at basal + one-fourth N top dressed at 21-25 DAS +
one-fourth top dressed at 35-40 DAS) increased the N uptake in grain and straw by 46.4 and
72.0 per cent, respectively over application of N in single dose .
The literature on nitrogen uptake in wheat indicated that the nitrogen uptake
increased with increased levels of application and number of splits and uptake pattern varies
with soil type and yield at large.
2.2 CALIBRATION OF SPAD METER READINGS WITH N

APPLICATION RATES
Leaf nitrogen is closely related to photosynthetic rate and grain yield .It is a sensitive
indicator for the dynamic changes in plant nitrogen, so monitoring of nitrogen status during
the growing period is essential to achieve efficient nitrogen fertilizer management and higher
grain yield. Most farmers due to its time consuming procedures (10-14 days) do not generally
use the direct measurement of leaf nitrogen concentration, so a method simple, rapid and
reliable field scale method is necessary to detect the leaf nitrogen status and predict the
precise time and rate of nitrogen fertilizer top dressing. The chlorophyll meter provides a
simple, rapid and nondestructive method for estimating leaf chlorophyll content. Several
investigators have demonstrated that the leaf chlorophyll content on the basis of leaf area
could be estimated using chlorophyll meter (Chabachi et al., 1986). It is evident that much of
leaf nitrogen is involved in enzymes associated with chlorophyll, the chlorophyll content
evaluation using SPAD and its relation with leaf nitrogen concentration could provide an
indirect assessment of leaf nitrogen status (Chapman and Barreto, 1997). The literature is
quite limited with regard to usage of SPAD meter in wheat hence, related reviews have been
included.
Turner and Jund (1991) indicated that the chlorophyll meter could be used to predict
the requirement of nitrogen to dressing prior to Panicle initiation and Panicle differentiation
stages in semi dwarf rice cultivars.
Piekielek and Fox (1992) reported that a chlorophyll reading of 43.4 SPAD units was
found to be the critical level to separate responsive and non responsive site in maize to side
dress nitrogen.
A spring wheat crop was grown using three irrigation levels and nitrogen rates where
the lower limit indicating severe nitrogen deficiency in the leaves were approximately 35
SPAD units and upper limit was 45 SPAD units indicating excess consumption in clay soil at
France (Vidal et al., 1994).
Ahmad et al. (1999) found that maximum yield for maize obtained for chlorophyll
levels greater than 50 SPAD units in Peotone silt loam and drummer silt loam soil.
SPAD guided application of fertilizer at 32 and 29 tended to attain higher grain yield
and NUE than recommended and half of the recommended application mainly due to higher
2
spikelet numbers per m and or filled grain percentage in rice at Japan (Haun et al., 2002).
Balasubramanian et al. (2002) suggested that 20 kg N per ha basal application +

SPAD guided N produced the highest grain yield of 5.8 t per ha in direct seeded and 6.3 t per
ha in the wet seeded rice at Pondicherry, India.
Balasubramanian et al. (2000) reported increased N use efficiency and grain yield,
average saving of nitrogen from 32 to 65 kg N per ha in various locations, in India and
Vietnam by using SPAD guided N management in rice .
Singh et al. (2002) noticed 20 per cent increased wheat grain yield when 30 kg N per
ha was applied at SPAD value of 42 at mid tillering stage.
Singh et al. (2002) reported that application of 30 Kg N per ha each time the SPAD
value fell below the critical value of 37.5 resulted in application of 90 Kg N per ha, which
produced rice yield equivalent to those with 120 Kg N per ha applied in three splits.
Singh et al. (2002) suggested that plant need based N management through
chlorophyll meter reduces N manure of rice from 12.5 to 25 per cent with no loss on yield.
Shukla et al. (2004) noticed that chlorophyll meter reading and crop growth rate at 15
DAT in rice and 21 DAS in wheat were not significantly different with or without basal N
application indicating that basal N application in rice and wheat was not necessary in soils
having relatively high indigenous N supply, SPAD readings were highly correlated with rice
and wheat.
Maiti et al. (2007) expressed that SPAD meter readings for N management in wheat
showed that values of SPAD significantly increased with increasing levels of N and SPAD
treated N plots showed higher nitrogen use efficiency over fixed N treatment in wheat and
further showed that SPAD value of 37 was better than SPAD-35 for the best management of
N in wheat in an inceptisol in West Bengal.
The literature provides strong evidence that current fertilizer N recommendations are
inadequate for maintaining current yields of wheat. The chlorophyll meter based N
management suggests that N can be saved with no yield loss by appropriately revising the
blanket fertilizer recommendations.
2.3 ECONOMICS OF WHEAT CULTIVATION AS INFLUENCED

BY NITROGEN LEVELS, SPLIT NITROGEN AND SPAD
BASED APPLICATION
Any technology has to be technically and economically viable to reach farmer’s fields
and therefore, the economic analysis of the results is very important. This also gives a clear
idea about the optimum level of inputs that could be recommended to obtain maximum profit.
Strong (1982) obtained higher returns when application of N was split between
sowing and the boot leaf stage instead of sowing and flowering.
Maximum net returns (Rs. 9570/ha) and (B: C) benefit cost ratio (1:2.5) were
obtained with the application of 80 + 40 + 30 Kg N + P2O5 + K2O per ha over higher dose,
while minimum net returns (RS.4966/ha) and B: C (1:2.3) were obtained in control (Azad et al,
1998)
Thakur et al. (1999) obtained significantly higher harvest index (42.68 per cent), net
returns (RS. 11703/ha) with the application of 150 per cent RDF over 100 per cent RDF and it
was found statistically at per with 125 per cent RDF and significantly higher benefit cost ratio
(1:1.32) with the application of 125 per cent RDF over 150 per cent RDF (1:1.28) and 100 per
cent RDF (1:1.18)
Tiwana et al. (1999) obtained maximum net returns (Rs. 20,840/ha) and benefit cost
ratio (1:1.47) with the application of 120: 60: 30 kg N, P205 and K20 per ha over control.
Verma et al. (2000) reported that application of 120:26:25 kg NPK per ha recorded
significantly higher net returns (Rs.12, 688/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1:1.98) as compared to
the application of 60:13:12.5 NPK kg per ha (Rs.7571/ha) and 1:1.35, respectively.
The highest gross returns were recorded for 20 kg N per ha + SPAD-N management
in rice at Pondicherry (Balasubramanian et al., 2000).
Maximum net returns (Rs.24, 549/ha) were recorded with N application as half basal
+ one-fourth at 30-DAS + One-fourth at 60 DAS (Ananda, 2004).
Extended and increased number of splits of nitrogen was not effective in enhancing
net returns and B: C (Pasha, 2005).
The literature brings out the fact that higher net returns, gross returns and benefit cost
ratio can be obtained by application of nitrogen when plant needs it which may be split
application, different levels and or SPAD-N guided management approach.
3. MATERIAL AND METHODS
A field experiment was conducted to study the Nitrogen Management in Wheat under
irrigated condition during rabi 2007-08 at Water Management Research Centre, Belvatagi,
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad as mother trial and at three farmer’s fields in
Karlavada village of Dharwad district as baby trials. The practices used and techniques
adopted during the course of investigation are presented in detail in this chapter.
3.1 EXPERIMENTAL SITE

The experiment was conducted at Water Management Research Centre, Belvatagi,
Navalagund taluk, Dharwad District of Karnataka state. This centre in the Northern part
(Zone-3) of Karnataka is located at a latitude of 15°16’ N, longitude of 75°23’ E with an
altitude of 579 m above MSL.
3.2 SOIL CHARACTERISTICS OF EXPERIMENTAL SITE

The soil of the experimental site belongs to vertisol. Before conduct of experiment,
composite soil samples from experimental sites were collected from 0-20 cm depth. Soil
samples were air dried, powdered and sieved through 2 mm sieve and were analyzed for
physico-chemical properties. The values obtained along with the methods employed for their
estimation are furnished in Table 1. Soils of the experimental site were neutral in reaction and
fertility status of soils differed.
3.3 CLIMATIC CONDITION

Water Management Research Centre, Belvatagi is situated in Northern dry zone of
Karnataka (Zone-3). The zone receives rainfall from both south west and north east monsoon
and it is well distributed from June to November. The mean monthly meteorological data of
rainfall (mm), relative humidity (%), temperature (°C) for the period of 1984-2004 is furnished
in Table 2 and depicted in Fig. 1.
3.4 EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS

3.4.1 Experimental Location
Experiment was conducted at Water Management Research Centre, Belvatagi
(Mother trial) and at three farmers field at Karlavada (Baby trials).
3.4.2 Treatment Details

There were 10 treatments in each replication
T1 : 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS* + 20 kg N at 40 DAS +

20 kg N at 60 DAS + 20 kg N at 80 DAS
T2 : 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS
T4 : 20 kg N as basal dose + 27 kg N at CRI stage* + 27 kg N at Boot leaf stage + 26 kg

N at 50% flowering
T5 : 20 kg N as basal dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS + 25 kg N at 40 DAS + 25 kg N at 60

DAS + 25 kg N at 80 DAS

DAS

DAS
Table 1. Physical and chemical properties of soil of the experimental site
Mother trial Baby Trials (Farmers Field)

Particulars
(Research Station) Farmer Field-I Farmer Field -II Farmer Field -III Method employed
1. Physical properties
a. Particle size distribution
Sand (%) 23.4 21.0 20.0 22.5
International pipette
Silt (%) 28.1 27.5 29.5 27.4 method (Piper, 1966)
Clay (%) 48.5 51.5 50.5 50.1
2. Chemical properties
Available N (kg/ha) 262 270 285 270 Alkaline permanganate
method (Subbiah and
Asija, 1959)
Available P2O5 (kg/ha) 25.5 27.5 22.5 27.5 Olsen’s method
(Jackson, 1967)
Available K2O (kg/ha) 325.45 329.6 320.5 329.6 Flame Photometer
(Jackson, 1967)
Electrical Conductivity 1.98 1.96 1.94 1.98 Conductivity bridge
(ds/m) (Jackson, 1967)
Soil pH (1: 2.5) 8.1 7.9 7.5 7.9 pH meter (Piper, 1966)
soil: water solution
Table 2. Monthly meteorological data for the experimental year (2007-08), Mean rainfall of past 22 years (1984-2006), Mean temperature and
relative humidity of past one years (2006-2007) of the Water Management Research Centre (WMRC), Belvatagi, Dharwad (Karnataka)
Rainfall(mm) Temperature (ºC) Relative humidity (%)

Month Normal (1984- Maximum Minimum
2007-08 2007-08 2006-2007
2006) 2007-08 2006-07 2007-08 2006-2007
April 22.6 24.1 35.4 38.4 23.6 20.4 53.8 45.3
May 55.2 41.3 35.5 35.9 18.3 20.0 61.0 56.2
June 132.0 89.4 30.2 29.0 16.7 17.0 76.3 74.4
July 99.6 90.0 27.5 26.6 16.3 16.6 80.5 81.7
August 128.2 47.1 27.4 26.4 16.4 16.1 78.5 79.9
September 220.2 87.1 31.8 31.3 16.5 16.4 75.4 72.8
October 61.0 69.9 31.4 32.6 16.2 16.6 69.1 65.4
November 0.0 32.5 32.2 31.0 14.8 15.1 70.5 67.3
December 1.0 1.3 30.9 30.7 12.5 11.7 52.4 51.2
January 0.0 0.8 30.9 30.9 17.4 17.4 47.6 45.9
February 0.0 0.2 31.6 31.6 17.7 17.7 45.7 45.7
March 9.2 3.1 34.7 34.7 21.6 21.6 45.9 47.6
Total 729.0 486.7
Rainfall (mm) Relative humidity (%) Max. temp. (°C) Min. temp. (°C)
250 2007-08 1984-2006 2007-08 2006-07 2007-08 2006-07 2007-08 2006-07 45
40
Maximum and minimum temperature (°C)

200
35
Rainfall (mm) and relative humidity (%)
30
150
25
20
100
15
10
50
0 0
April May June July August September October November December January February March
Months
Fig. 1. Monthly meteorological data for the experimental year (2007-08), mean rainfall of past 22 years (1984-2006), mean temperature and
relative humidity of past two years (2006-2007 and 2007-08) of the Water Management Research Centre (WMRC), Belvatagi, UAS, Dharwad
(Karnataka)
T10 : 50 kg N as basal dose + 50 kg N at 30 DAS
Note: DAS-Days after sowing
CRI–Crown root initiation
3.4.3 Design and layout

The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design. The plan of
layout is illustrated in Fig. 2.1 and 2.2.
3.4.4 Plot size

2
Gross plot : 6.00 m x 2.76 m = 16.56 m
Net plot : 5.00 m x 1.84 m = 9.20 m2
3.5 CULTURAL OPERATIONS

3.5.1 Land preparation
The land was ploughed with mould board plough after harvest of previous crop to a
sufficient depth and harrowed twice to bring the soil to a fine tilth. Small bunds were formed
around each plot to facilitate uniform irrigation.
3.5.2 Fertilizer application

Recommended dose of fertilizer (75: 50 P2O5, K2O kg/ha) was applied at the time of
sowing. The nutrients were applied in the form of urea, diammonium phosphate and muriate
of potash. The levels of nitrogen (80, 100 and 120 kg/ha) were applied in split doses as per
the treatment specifications and entire dose of phosphorus and potash were applied to all the
plots as basal dose, five cm away from seed line.
3.5.3 Seeds and sowing

Seeds of wheat (Cv. GW-322) were procured from Dr. Sanjay Rajaram Wheat
Laboratory, All India Co-ordinated Wheat and Barley Improvement Project (AICW&BIP), Main
Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad. GW-322 is a bread wheat; possess high degree of
resistance to rust. It is a cross between PBW-173 and GW-196 and released in the year 2002
for general cultivation in peninsular zone under timely sown irrigated condition. Seeds were
weighed separately for each plot at the rate of 150 kg per ha. The furrows were opened at 23
cm apart with the help of wooden marker. The seeds were hand dibbled and covered by soil.
The sowing operation was carried out on 27 November 2007.
3.5.4 Irrigation
The experimental area was uniformly irrigated prior to sowing of seeds and
application of fertilizers. After resumption of optimum soil moisture conditions, sowing was
taken up. Irrigation was given on the day of sowing to obtain uniform and good germination.
Then, subsequent irrigations were given at an interval of 15 days till the crop reached
physiological maturity. In all, the crop received six irrigations.
3.5.5 After care

Two hand weedings were carried out at 30 and 45 days after sowing to keep the plots
free from weeds and to provide better aeration. No plant protection measures were taken up,
as the crop was free from pest and diseases.
LEGEND
Treatment Treatment details

No.
T1 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N

at 60 DAS + 20 kg N at 80 DAS
T2 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS
T4 20 kg N as basal dose + 27 kg N at CRI stage + 27 kg N at Boot leaf Stage

+ 26 kg N at 50% flowering
T5 20kg N as basal dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS + 25 kg N at 40 DAS + 25 kg N

at 60 DAS + 25 kg N at 80 DAS
T6 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30 kg N

60 DAS
T7 20kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N

at 60 DAS
T10 50 kg N as basal dose + 50 kg N at 30 DAS

Fig 2.1. Plan of layout
Fig 2.2. Plan of layout
Plate 1. General view of wheat crop on research station
Plate 2. General view of wheat crop on Farmers field

T1 : 20 kg N as basal dose +
20 kg N at 20 DAS +
20 kg N at DAS + 20 kg N at
60 kg + 20 N at 80 DAS
T2 : 20 kg N as basal dose
+ 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS
+ 33 kg N at 20 DAS
+ 34 kg N at 40 DAS
+ 27 kg N at CRI stage
+ 27 kg N at Boot leaf Stage
+ 26 kg N at 50 % flowering
+ 25 kg N at 20 DAS +
25 kg N at 40 DAS +
25 kg N at 60 DAS +
25 kg N at 80 DAS +
Plate 3. Treatment details

T6 : 20 kg N as vassal dose +
30 kg N at 20 DAS +
40 kg N at 40 DAS +
30 kg N at 60 DAS
20 kg N at 20 DAS +
20 kg N at 40 DAS +
20 kg N at 60 DAS
30 kg N at 20 DAS +
30 kg N at 40 DAS
30 kg N at 20 DAS +
30 kg N at 40 DAS

50 kg N at 20 DAS
Plate 3. (Contd.........) Treatment details

3.5.6 Harvesting and threshing
The crop in the net plot area of respective treatment was harvested at 120 days after
sowing separately. After complete drying, weight of the total dry matter from net plot was
recorded. After threshing, the produce was cleaned and weight of the grains per plot area was
computed on hectare basis and expressed in q per ha.
3.6 COLLECTION OF EXPERIMENTAL DATA

3.6.1 Growth parameters of wheat
Five plants were selected at random from each plot and they were tied with dark
yellow labeling tags to make them distinctly visible to record growth parameters at 30, 60 and
90 days after sowing.
3.6.1.1 Plant height (cm)
The plant height of the randomly selected plants in a row was measured. The
measurement was made from the base of the plant to the base of the last fully opened leaf at
30 days after sowing and up to the base of the ear head at 60 and 90 days after sowing and
expressed in centimeter (cm).
3.6.1.2 Plant sampling and plant dry weight
The plant samples were collected to determine the total dry matter production and its
distribution in leaf and stem at 30 DAS while in stem, leaf and ear head at 60 and 90 DAS.
Plant samples were collected from second row on either side of the plot to a row length of one
meter each time.
After sampling, the plant parts were separated into leaf, stem and ear head and oven
dried at 70°C to 80°C to a constant weight to determine dry matter of leaf, stem and ear head
and total dry matter. The data were expressed in g per meter row length.
2
3.6.1.3 Leaf area (dm )
Leaf area per plant was computed by length and breadth method. It was multiplied by
2
factor 0.65. It was recorded at 30, 60 and 90 DAS. Leaf area per plant was expressed in dm
by following the procedure given by Gomez (1972).
Leaf area (dm2) of each leaf in middle tiller = L x W x K.
Where,
L= Maximum length of leaf
W= Maximum width of leaf
K= Adjustment factor (0.65)
3.6.1.4 Leaf area index (LAI)
The LAI was calculated by using the formula as suggested by Sestak et al. (1971).
2
Leaf area (dm )
LAI = ————————
2
Land area (dm )
3.6.1.5 Leaf area duration (LAD)
The LAD is the integral of LAI over the growth period and was worked out as per the
formula given by Power et al. (1967).
Li + L (i+1)
LAD = ——————— x (t2 – t1)
2
Where,
LAD = Mean of leaf area duration (days)
Li = LAI at ith stage
L (i+1) = LAI at I + 1st stage

th st
(t2-t1) = Time interval between i and i+1 stage.
3.6.1.6 Number of tillers per meter row length
The plat samples per meter row length were collected randomly for dry matter
production were used for recording the number of tillers (shoot numbers) at 30, 60 and 90
DAS.
3.6.1.7 SPAD readings
Principles of SPAD meter
Leaf chlorophyll content was estimated non-destructively by measuring leaf

greenness using a portal SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development)-502 chlorophyll meter
(Monilta Camera Co. Ltd., Japan). This meter operates by clamping the sensor head onto a
leaf blade. A rubber boot seals out external light, and creates a closed chamber around the
area to be measured. Two light emitting diodes are used to emit light through the leaf at two
wavelengths, 650 nm (red) and 940 nm (infrared), when the chamber is closed. Light in the
650 nm range lies between the two primary wavelengths associated with chlorophyll activity
(645 and 663 nm). Meter operation is based on the inverse relationship between absorbed
radiation in the 650 nm region of the spectra, and that transmitted through the leaf. The 940
nm wavelength is not affected by leaf chlorophyll content and provides an internal meter
calibration. A silicon photodiode receptor converts the transmitted light to analogue electrical
signals, which are then converted into digital signals and used by the microprocessor to
calculate the dimensionless SPAD unit value.
SPAD readings were collected from first fully expanded flag leaf from the top of the
plant. Five plants were selected for recording the observations. In each plant five readings
were recorded from leaf and they were averaged across each plot and expressed as SPAD
reading per plant.
3.6.2 Yield and yield attributes

3.6.2.1 Effective tillers per square meter
Number of productive ear heads (effective tillers) per m2 in each net plot area was
recorded at the time of harvest.
3.6.2.2 Number of grains per ear head
Ten ear heads randomly selected from each plot at harvest were used for recording
the number of grains per ear head. These ear heads were threshed separately and number of
grains per ear head was recorded.
3.6.2.3 Grain weight per ear head (g)
The grains threshed for recording the number of grains per ear head were used to
estimate grain weight per ear head and was expressed in g.
3.6.2.4 Thousand grain weight (g)
Grain samples from each net plot produce was drawn for recording 1000-grain
weight. The 1000-grain weight was expressed in g.
3.6.2.5 Grain and straw yield
The total biomass yield for each net plot was recorded at harvest. After threshing,
grains were separated, cleaned and weighed. Straw yield per net plot was worked out by
subtracting total grain weight from the total biomass for respective treatments. Later the grain
and straw yields per ha were computed and expressed in q per ha.
3.6.2.6 Harvest index
From the yield of grain and biomass harvest index was calculated by using the
formula given by Donald (1962).
Economic yield (grain)

Harvest index = ———————————————
Biological yield (grain + straw)
3.6.3 Grain protein content (%)
Protein content in grains was analyzed by Near Infrared Transmittance Based Protein
Analyzer (Model: Intratec 1241 grain analyzer).
3.7 CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF PLANT SAMPLES

3.7.1 Nitrogen uptake by the crop at harvest
Nitrogen content of straw and grains at harvest was estimated by modified micro-
kjeldahl’s method for nitrogen as outlined by Jackson (1967) and expressed in percentage.
Nitrogen uptake (kg/ha) by the crop was calculated for each treatment separately using the
following formula
% N concentration
Nitrogen uptake (kg/ha) = ————————— x Biomass (kg/ha)
100
The sum of uptake by grain and straw was considered as the total uptake by the crop.
3.8 CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL SAMPLES

Soil samples after harvest of the crop from 0-20 cm soil depth were collected from
individual treatment. Available soil nitrogen was estimated by alkaline potassium
permanganate method, as outlined by Subbiah and Asija (1959). Available phosphorus was
determined by Olsen’s method as outlined by Jackson (1967) using Spectrophotometer (600
nm wave length) and Available potassium was extracted with neutral normal ammonium
acetate and the content of K in the solution was estimated by Flame photometer (Jackson,
1967).
3.9 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

The prices of the inputs that were prevailing at the time of their use
were considered for working out the cost of cultivation.
Net returns per ha was calculated by deducting the cost of cultivation per ha from
gross income per ha. Benefit cost ratio was worked out as shown below.
Net returns (Rs/ha)

Benefit cost ratio = ——————————
Cost of cultivation (Rs/ha)
3.10 OBSERVATIONS FROM FARMERS FIELD

Data with respect to SPAD readings, Yield and yield attributes (effective tillers per
square meter, number of grains per ear head, grain weight per ear head (g), thousand grain
weight (g), grain and straw yield and harvest index), Protein content (%), nitrogen uptake
(kg/ha) by grain, straw and total nitrogen uptake, available nitrogen, available phosphorus,
available potassium were collected in all the farmers field.
3.11 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF DATA

The data collected from the experiment at different growth stages was subjected to
statistical analysis as described by Gomez and Gomez (1984). The level of significance used
in ‘F’ and‘t’ test was p=0.05. Critical difference values were calculated using Duncan’s
Multiple Range Test (DMRT) wherever the ‘F’ test was significant.
3.12 CORRELATION STUDIES

Correlation analysis was carried to study the nature and degree of relationship
between yield and various growth parameters, yield components and protein content.
Correlation coefficient values (r) were calculated and test of significance were applied
as per procedure outlined by Panse and Sukhatme (1967).
4. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
The results of the experiment conducted to study the Nitrogen Management in Wheat
under Irrigated Conditions during rabi 2006-07 at Water Management Research Centre at
Belvatagi and Farmers field at Karlavada (Dharwad District) are presented in this Chapter.
4.1 GROWTH COMPONENTS OF WHEAT AS INFLUENCED

BY DIFFERENT LEVELS OF TIME AND NITROGEN
APPLICATION ON RESEARCH STATION (Mother trial)
4.1.1 Plant height (cm)
Data on plant height recorded at three different stages of crop growth viz., 30, 60 and
90 days after sowing (DAS) are presented in Table 3. The plant height progressively
increased and the mean plant height was 27.4, 66.4 and 75.6 cm at 30, 60 and 90 DAS
respectively.
At 30 DAS
It is evident from Table 3 that T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N

as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) and T10 treatment (50 kg N as basal
dose + 50 kg N at 30 DAS) accounted for significantly higher plant height (28.9 cm and 29.0
cm) but it was on par with rest of the treatments except T7 and T9 treatments. T7 treatment (80
kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS
+ 20 kg N at 60 DAS) recorded significantly lower plant height of 25.2 cm.
At 60 DAS
Significantly higher plant height (70.0 cm) was observed in T3 treatment (100 kg N per
ha in three splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) over
T7, T8 and T9 treatments. However, rest of the treatments were on par with each other. T7
treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg
N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS) accounted for significantly least plant height of 60.9 cm.
At 90 DAS
Data on plant height at 90 DAS showed that T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) (79.7 cm)
recorded significantly more height than T7, T8 and T9 treatments. The on par treatments were
T1, T3 T4, T5, T6 and T10 which recorded plant height of 76.3, 78.4, 76.6, 76.3, 77.3 and 75.6
cm, respectively. T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg
N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS) recorded lowest plant height of 69.6
cm.
4.1.2 Number of tillers per m row length

The number of tillers as influenced by levels and time of N application are furnished in
Table 4. The tiller number progressively increased up to peak growth period and the mean
tiller number was 108.00, 192.8 and 150.2 at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, respectively.
At 30 DAS
Data from Table 4 revealed that higher number of tillers (118.7 per m row length)
was observed in T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33
kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) over T1, T7, T8 and T9 treatments. However, it was on
par with T2, T4, T5, T6 and T10 treatments which recorded tillers of 114.7, 108.0, 109.3, 112.0
and 112.0 per m row length. T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal
dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS) recorded significantly
lower number of tillers (98.7 per m row length).
Table 3. Plant height of wheat as influenced by different levels and time of N
application
Research station
Treatment
Plant height (cm)
30 DAS 60 DAS 90 DAS
T1 26.3 a-c* 66.5 a-d 76.3 ab
T2 28.3 ab 69.2 ab 79.7 a
T3 28.9 a 70.0 a 78.4 ab
T4 27.0 a-c 67.0 a-d 76.6 ab
T5 27.7 a-c 67.5 a-c 76.3 ab
T6 28.7 ab 68.3 a-c 77.3 ab
T7 25.2 c 60.9 d 69.6 c
T8 26.5 a-c 62.7 cd 72.6 bc
T9 26.2 bc 63.4 b-d 73.1 bc
T10 29.0 a 68.1 a-c 75.6 a-c
Mean 27.4 66.4 75.6
S.Em± 0.80 1.92 1.88
*The means followed by the same lower case letters in a column do not differ significant by DMRT
T1: 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS + 20 kg N at
80DAS
T2: 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS
T4: 20 kg N as basal dose + 27 kg N at CRI stage + 27 kg N at Boot leaf Stage + 26 kg N at 50%
flowering
T5: 20 kg N as basal dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS + 25 kg N at 40 DAS + 25 kg N at 60 DAS + 25 kg N at
80 DAS
T6: 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS
T7: 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS+ 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS
T10: 50 kg N as basal dose + 50 kg N at 30 DAS
Table 4. Number of tillers per m row length of wheat at different growth stage as
Research station
Treatment
No. of tillers per m row length
T1 104.0 b-d* 192.0 b-d 146.0 a-d
T2 114.7 ab 212.0 a 166.7 a
T3 118.7 a 205.3 ab 162.7 ab
T4 108.0 a-d 196 .0 a-d 157.3 a-c
T5 109.3 a-d 197.3 a-d 153.3 a-d
T6 112.0 a-c 200.0 a-c 154.7 a-b
T7 98.7 d 178.7 d 130.7 d
T8 102.7 cd 184.0 cd 138.7 cd
T9 100.0 d 180.0 d 141.3 b-d
T10 112.0 a-c 182.7 cd 150.7 a-d
Mean 108.0 192.8 150.2
S.Em± 3.42 5.66 5.26
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
At 60 DAS
Among the levels and time of N application, T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) recorded
significantly higher number of tillers (212.0 per m row length) over T1, T7, T8, T9 and T10
treatments. However, it was on par with T3, T4, T5 and T6 treatments. The lowest number of
tillers (178.7 per m row length) recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg
N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
At 90 DAS
Significantly higher number of tillers (166.7 per m row length) was observed in T2
treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50
kg N at 40 DAS) over rest of the treatments except T1, T3, T4, T5 T6 and T10 treatments which
were on par with each other. The lowest number of tillers (130.7 per m row length) recorded
in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS +
20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
4.1.3 Dry matter accumulation (DMA) in leaf, stem and ear head (g per m row
length) at different stages of crop growth.
Data pertaining to dry matter accumulation (DMA) in leaf, stem and ear head are
presented in Table 5.
At 30 DAS
The dry matter accumulation in leaf and stem differed significantly due to different
levels and time of N application. At 30 DAS, among the different treatments, T3 treatment
(100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at
40 DAS) accounted for significantly higher dry matter in leaf and stem (32.3 g per m row
length in leaf and 23.0 g per m row length in the stem, respectively) over other treatments.
However, T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha three in splits as 20 kg N at basal stage + 30 kg N at
20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) was on par with it (30.0 g per m row length in leaf and 20.7 g
per m row length in stem, respectively). T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits 20 kg N as
basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60
DAS) recorded significantly lowest dry matter accumulation in leaf and stem (24.3 g per m
row length in leaf and 12.3 g per m row length in stem, respectively).
At 60 DAS
T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at

20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly higher dry matter accumulation in
leaf (73.3 g per m row length) over rest of the treatments. However, T3, T4, T5 and T6
treatments were found on par with each other. The significantly lowest dry matter
accumulation in leaf (61.3 g per m row length) was observed in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha
in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at
60 DAS).
Application of N at different stages of crop growth exhibited significant influence on

DMA of stem. T2 (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20
DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) and T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N as
basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly higher stem
dry weight (82.7 and 80.0 g per m row length) compared to rest of the treatments. However,
T4, T5, T6 and T10 treatments were found on par with each other (74.7, 73.3, 76.3 and 75.0 g
per m row length). The lowest stem dry weight (66.0 g per m row length) was recorded in T7
N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
Different levels and time of N application exhibited significant difference in DMA in ear
head. T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20
DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly higher ear head dry weight (28.3 g per
m row length) over other treatments. However, T3 (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N
as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) and T6 treatment (120 kg N per ha
60 DAS) was on par with each other (26.3 and 26.8 g per m row length). The least ear head
dry weight (20.7 g per m row length) was observed in T7 treatment (80 kg N in four splits as
20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
At 90 DAS
Significantly higher leaf dry weight (92.7 g per m row length) resulted in T2 treatment
40 DAS) over rest of the treatments. The on par treatments were T3, T4, T5 and T6 (90.7, 84.7,
85.7 and 88.0 g per m row length). T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as
basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS) accounted for
significantly lowest leaf dry weight (77.3 g per m row length).
T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at

20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly higher stem dry weight (97.3 g per
m row length) compared to T7, T8 and T9 treatments. Whereas, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T10
treatments were on par with each other. The least stem dry weight (83.7 g per m row length)
recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at
20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
Similarly in case of ear head, T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N

as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly higher
ear head dry weight (40.3 g per m row length) over other treatments. However, it was on par
with T3 (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg
N at 40 DAS) and T6 treatment (120 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30
kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS) (37.7 and 37.3 g per m row
length). Both were on par with each other. The lowest ear head dry weight (32.3 g per m row
length) recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20
kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
4.1.4 Total dry matter production (g per m row length) at different stages of
crop growth
Data on total dry matter production at 30, 60 and 90 DAS are presented in Table 6
and Fig. 3. Total dry matter production influenced by the treatments at all the growth stages.
There was an increase in total dry matter production with advancement in growth.
At 30 DAS
Different levels and time of N application exhibited significant differences in TDMP. At

30 DAS, T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at
20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly higher total dry matter production
(55.3 g per m row length) over other treatments. The next best treatment was T2 treatment
40 DAS) (50.7 g per m row length). The least total dry matter production (36.7 g per m row
length) recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at
At 60 DAS
T2 (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS +

50 kg N at 40 DAS) and T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N as basal
dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly higher total dry
matter production (184.3 and 178.3 g per m row length) compared to rest of the treatments.
Whereas, T6 treatment (120 kg N Per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at
20DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS) was found on par with it (173.2 g per m
row length). T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at
20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS) recorded the lowest total dry weight
production of 148.0 g per m row length.
Table 5. Dry matter accumulation (g per m row length) in leaf, stem and ear head of wheat
Research station
Dry Matter production of Leaf Dry Matter production of Stem Dry Matter production
Treatment of Ear head
30 DAS 60 DAS 90 DAS 30 DAS 60 DAS 90 DAS 60 DAS 90 DAS
T1 26.0 cd* 66.0 b-e 83.3 b-e 14.7 de 74.3 a-c 90.0 a-c 23.3 b-e 35.3 b-e
T2 30.0 ab 73.3 a 92.7 a 20.7 ab 82.7 a 97.3 a 28.3 a 40.3 a
T3 32.3 a 72.0 ab 90.7 ab 23.0 a 80.0 a 94.3 ab 26.3 a-c 37.7 ab
T4 25.0 d 68.0 a-d 84.7 a-e 13.3 e 74.7 a-c 89.3 a-c 24.3 b-d 36.0 b-d
T5 27.0 cd 67.3 a-e 85.7 a-d 16.7 cd 73.3 a-c 88.3 a-c 24.0 b-e 36. 7 bc
T6 29.0 bc 70.0 a-c 88.0 a-c 18.7 bc 76.3 ab 90.3 a-c 26.8 ab 37.3 a-c
T7 24.3 d 61.3 e 77.3 e 12.3 e 66.0 c 83.7 c 20.7 e 32.3 e
T8 27.0 cd 63.7 c-e 79.7 de 16.3 cd 69.3 bc 86.3 bc 23.0 c-e 34.0 c-e
T9 26.7 cd 62.7 de 79.7 de 14.0 de 68.3 bc 84.7 bc 21.7 de 33.0 de
T10 32.3 a 66.3 b-e 80.3 c-e 17.7 c 75.0 a-c 88.3 a-c 23.7 b-e 35.7 b-e
Mean 28.0 67.1 84.2 16.7 74.0 89.3 24.1 35.8
S.Em± 0.96 1.99 2.47 0.88 2.86 2.85 1.07 1.06
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
Table 6. Total dry matter production of wheat as influenced by different levels and time
of N application
Research station
Treatment
Total Dry Matter production (TDMP) (g per m row length)
T1 40.7 de* 163.6 b-d 208.6 c-e
T2 50.7 b 184.3 a 230.3 a
T3 55.3 a 178.3 a 222.7 ab
T4 38.3 e 167.0 bc 210.0 c-e
T5 43.7 cd 164.7 b-d 210.7 cd
T6 47.7 bc 173.1 ab 215.6 bc
T7 36.6 e 148.0 e 193.3 g
T8 43.3 cd 156.0 c-e 200.0 e-g
T9 40.7 de 152.7 de 197.4 fg
T10 50.0 b 165.0 b-d 204.4 d-f
Mean 44.7 165.3 209.3
S.Em± 1.40 3.96 3.16
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
250 30 DAS 60 DAS 90 DAS
Total dry matter production (g/m row length)
200
150
100
50
0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10
Treatment
Fig. 3. Total dry matter production (g/m row length) at different growth stages of wheat as influenced by time and levels of nitrogen
application on Research station
At 90 DAS
Data showed that T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal

dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly higher total dry
matter production (230.3 g per m row length) over rest of the treatments. However, T3
kg N at 40 DAS) was found on par with it (222.7 g per m row length). Significantly lowest total
dry matter production (193.3 g per m row length) was observed in T7 treatment (80 kg N per
ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg
N at 60 DAS).
4.1.5 SPAD Meter Reading

Data on SPAD meter reading are presented in Table 7 and Fig. 4.
At 50 DAS
Significantly higher SPAD value (45.00) was observed in T2 treatment (100 kg N per
ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS)
compared to T1, T4, T5 and T9 treatments. The on par treatments were T3, T6, T8 and T10
treatments with SPAD values of 43.63, 42.90, 40.87 and 40.83. The lowest SPAD value
(38.27) recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20
kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
At 60 DAS
Among the levels and time of N application, T2 Treatment (100 kg N per ha in three
split as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for
significantly higher SPAD value (43.21) over other treatments. However, it was on par with T1,
T3 and T6 treatments which recorded SPAD values of 39.90, 42.03 and 41.43. The lowest
SPAD value (36.90) recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as
basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
At 70 DAS
Higher SPAD value of 43.43 was recorded in T6 treatment (120 kg N per ha in four
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30 kg N at 60
DAS) over rest of the treatments. However, it was on par with T1, T2, T3, T5, and T9 treatments
which recorded SPAD values of 40.13, 41.97, 41.60, 40.10 and 39.70. T7 treatment (80 kg N
per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20
kg N at 60 DAS) was lowest SPAD value of 37.73.
At 80 DAS
Significantly higher SPAD value (40.57) was recorded in T2 treatment (100 kg N per
T7, T8, T9 and T10 treatments but remaining treatments were on par with each other. The
lowest SPAD value (34.20) recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N
as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
4.1.6 Leaf area (dm2)

Data on leaf area recorded at different crop growth stages are presented in Table 8.
The leaf area increased upto 60 DAS and there after it showed decreasing trend.
At 30 DAS
It is found from Table 8 that T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N

as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS), T8 treatment (80 kg N per ha in
three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 30 kg N at 40 DAS) and T10
treatment (100 kg N per ha in two splits as 50 kg N as basal dose + 50 kg N at 30 DAS)
recorded higher leaf area (17.75, 17.70 and 18.01 dm2) over T7 and T9 treatments. T1, T2 T4,
Table 7. Chlorophyll content of wheat estimated through SPAD meter as influenced by
Research station
Treatment
SPAD Meter Reading
50 DAS 60 DAS 70 DAS 80 DAS
T1 40.17 b-d* 39.90 a-d 40.13 a-c 37.67 a-d
T2 45.00 a 43.21 a 41.97 ab 40.57 a
T3 43.63 ab 42.03 ab 41.60 a-c 39.27 ab
T4 38.97 cd 38.20 b-d 38.60 bc 38.03 a-c
T5 39.17 cd 38.60 b-d 40.10 a-c 38.20 a-c
T6 42.90 a-c 41.43 a-c 43.43 a 39.83 ab
T7 38.27 d 36.90 d 38.53 bc 34.20 d
T8 40.87 a-d 38.63 b-d 37.73 c 35.10 cd
T9 39.50 b-d 37.70 cd 39.70 a-c 35.00 cd
T10 40.83 a-d 39.17 b- d 38.53 bc 36.50 b-d
Mean 40.93 39.58 39.98 37.44
S.Em± 1.352 1.232 1.182 1.151
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
50 DAS 60 DAS
50 70 DAS 80 DAS 42
Grain yield (q/ha)

45 41
40
40
39
35
Grain yield (q/ha)

SPAD reading
38
30
37
25
36
20
35
15
34
10
33
5 32
0 31
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10
Treatment
Fig. 4. Chlorophyll content of wheat estimated through SPAD meter as influenced by different levels and time of N application
Table 8. Leaf area of wheat as influenced by different levels and time of N application
Research station
Treatment
Leaf area (dm2)
T1 16.20 a-c* 26.92 a-c 27.16 b-d
T2 17.20 ab 33.19 a 31.62 a
T3 17.75 a 30.46 ab 29.42 ab
T4 16.23 a-c 28.25 a-c 28.78 bc
T5 16.82 a-c 28.66 ab 28.89 bc
T6 16.99 ab 29.20 ab 30.21 a-c
T7 15.06 c 22.86 c 24.89 d
T8 17.70 a 25.28 bc 26.86 b-d
T9 15.52 bc 23.73 bc 26.49 cd
T10 18.01 a 28.66 a-c 28.04 b-d
Mean 16.75 27.46 28.50
S.Em± 0.551 1.794 1.141
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
2
T5 and T6 treatments were on par with each other. The least leaf area (15.06 dm ) recorded in
T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20
kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
At 60 DAS
2
Significantly higher leaf area (33.19 dm ) was recorded in T2 treatment (100 kg N per
ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) than
other treatments. However, it was on par with T1, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T10 treatments which
recorded leaf area of 26.92, 30.46, 28.25, 28.66, 29.20 and 28.66 dm2. T7 treatment (80 kg N
2
kg N at 60 DAS) recorded lowest leaf area of 22.86 dm .
At 90 DAS
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for
significantly higher leaf area (31.62 dm2) over rest of the treatments. However, it was on par
with T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20
DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) and T6 treatment (120 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as
basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS) which recorded
2
leaf area of 29.42 and 30.21 dm . The lowest one is T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits
as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS)
2
(24.89 dm ).
4.1.7 Leaf Area Index

The leaf area index as influenced by different levels and time of N application are
presented in Table 9. Leaf area index was significantly influenced by the treatments at all the
growth stages. On an average the LAI was 2.78 at 60 DAS and 2.84 at 90 DAS while it was
1.86 at early stage at 30 DAS.
At 30 DAS
Data from Table 9 revealed that T10 treatment (100 kg N per ha two splits as 50 kg N
as basal dose + 50 kg N at 30 DAS) accounted for significantly higher LAI (2.07) over T1, T7
and T9 treatments. However, it was on par with T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T8 treatments which
recorded LAI of 1.91, 1.98, 1.83, 1.89, 1.93 and 1.88. T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four
split 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS)
was found the least leaf area index (1.68).
At 60 DAS
Significantly higher LAI (3.27) was observed in T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) compared to rest
of the treatments However, it was on par with T3, T4 and T6 treatments which recorded leaf
area index of 3.17, 2.84 and 2.96. The least LAI was observed in T7 treatment (80 kg N per
N at 60 DAS) (2.39).
At 90 DAS
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) recorded higher
LAI (3.16) over other treatments. Whereas, T3 treatment (100 kg per ha three splits as 20 kg
N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) (3.09) was on par with it. T7
treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N ha as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS +
20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS) recorded the lowest leaf area index of 2.51.
4.1.8 Leaf Area Duration (Days)
The values of Leaf area duration (LAD) as influenced by different levels and time of N
application are furnished in Table 9. Nitrogen application in different levels and splits
produced significant variation in LAD at different periods of crop growth.
At 30-60 DAS
As the data revealed in Table 9 that T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as
20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) was found higher LAD of
77.20 days over other treatments and it was followed by T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in
three splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) which
recorded LAD of 75.00 days. Both were on par with each other. The lowest LAD (61.10 days)
was recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg
N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
At 60-90 DAS
Data showed that T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal

dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly higher LAD (96.50
days) compared to rest of the treatments. Whereas, T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three
splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) and T6 treatment
(120 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40
DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS) were found on par with it, which recorded Leaf area duration of
93.90 and 88.95 days. T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose
+20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS) recorded significantly lowest
LAD (73.45 days).
4.2 STUDIES ON CROP YIELD

Data on grain yield, straw yield and Harvest index are presented in Table 10 and Fig. 5.
4.2.1 Grain yield (q/ha)

Different levels and time of N applications exhibited significant variations in grain
yield. Significantly higher grain yield (40.97 and 40.24 q/ha) was recorded in T2 treatment
40 DAS) and T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N
at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) as compared to T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as
20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS), T8
kg N at 40 DAS) and T9 treatment (80 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose +
30 kg N at 20 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS). However it was on par with T4, T5, T6 and T10
treatments. T2 (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS
+ 50 kg N at 40 DAS) and T3 (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33
kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) treatments gave on par yield with those of T5 (120 kg N
per ha in five splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS + 25 kg N at 40 DAS + 25
kg N at 60 DAS + 25 kg N at 80 DAS) and T6 (120 kg N Per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as
basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS). The lowest grain
yield (34.78 q/ha) was recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as
basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS) as compared to
other treatments.
4.2.2 Straw yield (q/ha)

Data on straw yield differed significantly due to different levels and time of N
application. T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N
at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) and T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N
as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly higher
straw yield (67.32 and 67.16 q/ha) compared to T7 and T9 treatments. However, T1, T4, T5, T6,
T8 and T10 treatments were on par with each other. The lowest straw yield (58.47 q/ha) was
Table 9. Leaf area index and leaf area duration (days) of wheat as influenced by
Research station
Treatment
Leaf Area Index Leaf Area Duration (days)
30 DAS 60 DAS 90 DAS 30-60 DAS 60-90 DAS
T1 1.73 bc* 2.76 b-e 2.79 c-e 67.30 c-e 83.30 cd
T2 1.91 a-c 3.27 a 3.16 a 77.20 a 96.50 a
T3 1.98 ab 3.17 ab 3.09 ab 75.00 ab 93.90 ab
T4 1.83 a-c 2.84 a-c 2.89 b-d 69.95 bc 85.85 bc
T5 1.89 a-c 2.76 b-e 2.78 c-e 69.65 bc 83.05 cd
T6 1.93 a-c 2.96 a-c 2.97 a-c 73.35 a-c 88.95 a-c
T7 1.68 c 2.39 e 2.51 e 61.10 e 73.45 e
T8 1.88 a-c 2.67 c-e 2.71 c-e 68.15 b-d 80.70 c-e
T9 1.71 bc 2.42 de 2.57 de 62.05 de 74.85 de
T10 2.07 a 2.78 b-d 2.75 c-e 72.80 a-c 82.90 cd
Mean 1.86 2.78 2.84 69.66 84.35
S.Em± 0.077 0.117 0.105 2.113 2.882
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
Table 10. Grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of wheat as influenced by different
Research station
Treatment
Grain yield (q/ha) Straw yield (q/ha) Harvest Index
T1 38.13 a-d* 64.49 a-c 0.378 a
T2 40.97 a 67.32 a 0.380 a
T3 40.24 a 67.16 a 0.374 a
T4 39.31 a-c 65.99 ab 0.375 a
T5 39.49 a-c 65.04 ab 0.377 a
T6 39.73 ab 66.26 ab 0.374 a
T7 34.78 d 58.47 c 0.373 a
T8 36.23 b-d 61.16 a-c 0.372 a
T9 35.71 cd 60.29 bc 0.373 a
T10 38.99 a-c 65.53 ab 0.370 a
Mean 38.36 64.17 0.375
S.Em± 1.162 1.889 0.009
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
Grain yield Straw yield
70
60
Grain and straw yield (q/ha)
50
40
30
20
10
0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10
Treatment
Fig. 5. Grain and straw yield (q/ha) of wheat as influenced by different levels and time of nitrogen application on Research station
4.2.3 Harvest Index

Data on harvest index of wheat did not differ significantly due to different levels and
time of N application. However numerically higher harvest index (0.380) was observed with T2
kg N at 40 DAS)
4.3 YIELD ATTRIBUTES

Data on yield attributes/components viz., effective tillers per square m, 1000- grain
weight, number of grains per ear head and weight of grains per ear head are presented in
Table 11.
4.3.1 Effective tillers per m2 area

Data on effective tillers per square m differed significantly due to different levels and
time of N application. Among the different treatments, T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) recorded higher
number of effective tillers per square m (332.0 per square m) compared to rest of the
treatments however, it was on par with T3 (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N as
basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) and T6 treatment (120 kg N per ha in
four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30 kg N at
60 DAS) which recorded 325.3 and 310.7 number of effective tillers per square m. The lowest
number of effective tillers (261.3 per square m) recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in
60 DAS).
4.3.2 Number of grains and grain weight per ear head (g)
Significant difference in number of grains per ear head was observed due to different
levels and time of N application. In general, T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20
kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) recorded higher number of
grains per ear head (42.5) over T7, T8 and T9 treatment. However, it was on par with T1, T3, T4,
T5, T6 and T10 treatment which recorded 40.0, 41.9, 40.1, 40.3, 42.3 and 40.6 number of
grains per ear head. The lowest number of grains per ear head (37.0) was received in T7
Similarly, the grain weight of 1.90 g was recorded with T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha
in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS). However,
it was on par with rest of treatments except T7, T8 and T9 treatment. T7 treatment (80 kg N per
N at 60 DAS) was found the least grain weight per ear head (1.66 g).
4.3.3 Thousand grain weight (g)

Data on 1000-grain weight differed significantly due to different levels and time of N
application. Among the different treatments, T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as
20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly
higher 1000-grain weight (42.00 g) compared to T7 and T9 treatments. However, it was on par
with T1, T3, T4, T5 T6, T8 and T10 treatment which recorded 1000-grain weight of 38.77, 41.70,
39.68, 40.90, 41.32, 38.15 and 39.61 g. The lowest 1000-grain weight (36.55 g) was found in
T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20
Table 11. Number of grains, grain weight per ear head, thousand grain weight and
number of ear heads per sq. m. of wheat as influenced by different levels and time of N
application
Research station
Treatment
No. of grains/ear Grain weight 1000-grain No. of ear head
head (g/ear head) weight (g) /m2
T1 40.0 a-c* 1.79 a-c 38.77 a-c 297.3 c
T2 42.5 a 1.90 a 42.00 a 332.0 a
T3 41.9 ab 1.85 a-c 41.70 a 325.3 ab
T4 40.1 a-c 1.82 a-c 39.68 a-c 306.7 bc
T5 40.3 a-c 1.80 a-c 40.90 ab 305.3 c
T6 42.3 ab 1.87 ab 41.32 a 310.7 a-c
T7 37.0 c 1.66 c 36.55 c 261.3 d
T8 38.4 bc 1.70 bc 38.15 a-c 268.0 d
T9 37.9 c 1.68 bc 37.40 bc 272.0 d
T10 40.6 a-c 1.83 a-c 39.61 a-c 302.7 c
Mean 40.1 1.79 39.61 298.1
S.Em± 1.16 0.052 1.142 8.71
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
4.4 NITROGEN UPTAKE BY THE CROP (kg/ha)
Data on nitrogen uptake by grains, straw and total uptake at harvest are presented in
Table 12.
4.4.1 Nitrogen uptake by grain (kg/ha)

Significant differences were observed in nitrogen uptake by grains due to different
levels and time of N application. Among the different treatments, T2 treatment (100 kg N per
ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) and T5
treatment (120 kg N per ha in five splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS + 25
kg N at 40 DAS + 25 kg N at 60 DAS + 25 kg N at 80 DAS) accounted for significantly higher
nitrogen uptake (88.3 and 90.29 kg/ha). However, treatments T1, T3, T4 and T6 were on par
with each other. The least nitrogen uptake (75.87 kg/ha) was received in T9 treatment (100 kg
N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS).
4.4.2 Nitrogen uptake by straw (kg/ha)

Data on nitrogen uptake by straw varied significantly due to different levels and time
of N application.
Significantly higher nitrogen uptake by straw (34.57 Kg/ha) was observed in T5

kg N at 40 DAS + 25 kg N at 60 DAS + 25 kg N at 80 DAS) compared to rest of the
treatments. However, it was on par with T2, T4 and T6 treatments which recorded 33.67, 32.13
and 32.95 kg per ha of nitrogen uptake by straw. T10 treatment (100 kg N per ha in two splits
as 50 kg N as basal dose + 50 kg N at 30 DAS recorded lowest nitrogen uptake by straw
(28.70 kg per ha).
4.4.3 Total nitrogen uptake (kg/ha)

Data on total nitrogen uptake differed significantly due to different levels and time of N
application. Among the different treatments, T5 treatment (120 kg N per ha in five splits as 20
kg N as basal dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS + 25 kg N at 40 DAS + 25 kg N at 60 DAS + 25 kg N
at 80 DAS) accounted for significantly higher total nitrogen uptake (124.86 kg/ha). However, it
was on par with rest of the treatments. The lowest total nitrogen uptake (105.04 kg/ha) was
recorded in T9 treatment (80 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at
20 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS).
4.5 GRAIN PROTEIN CONTENT (%)

Data pertaining to grain protein content is furnished in Table 12.
As the data revealed in Table 12 that T5 treatment (120 kg N per ha in five splits as
20 kg N as basal dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS + 25 kg N at 40 DAS + 25 kg N at 60 DAS + 25
kg N at 80 DAS) resulted in significantly higher protein content (15.33). However, it was on
par with T1, T2, T3, T4 and T6 treatments witch recorded protein content of 14.70, 14.07, 14.43,
14.33 and 15.10. The lowest protein content (11.57) was recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N ha
kg N at 60 DAS).
4.6 AVAILABLE NUTRIENTS IN SOIL (kg/ha)

Data on available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content (kg/ha) of soil after
harvest of crop as influenced by different levels and time of N application are presented in
Table 13.
4.6.1 Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)

It is obvious from the data showed in Table 13 that T6 treatment (120 kg N per ha in
Table 12. Nitrogen uptake (kg/ha) by grains, straw, total nitrogen uptake and protein
content (%) of wheat as influenced by different levels and time of N application
Research station
N uptake of grain, straw, total nitrogen uptake and protein content (%) of
Treatment wheat
N uptake N uptake Total N uptake

Protein content (%)
(Grain) (Straw) (kg/ha)
T1 83.74 a-c* 30.43 bc 114.17 a-c 14.70 ab
T2 88.33 a 33.67 ab 122.00 ab 14.07 ab
T3 83.00 a-c 30.93 bc 113.93 bc 14.43 ab
T4 83.28 a-c 32.13 a-c 115.41 ab 14.33 ab
T5 90.29 a 34.57 a 124.86 a 15.33 a
T6 85.40 ab 32.95 ab 118.35 ab 15.10 ab
T7 79.17 bc 29.27 c 108.44 cd 11.57 c
T8 78.10 bc 28.83 c 106.93 cd 12.47 c
T9 75.87 c 29.17 c 105.04 d 12.63 c
T10 77.00 c 28.70 c 105.70 cd 13.90 bc
Mean 82.42 31.07 113.48 13.85
S.Em± 2.404 1.073 2.534 0.400
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
Table 13. Available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil after harvest of wheat
Research station
Treatment Available soil nutrient (kg/ha)
Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P2O5) Potassium (K2O)
T1 218.63 a-c* 13.65 cd 273.17 a-c
T2 213.33 bc 16.18 a 300.57 a
T3 214.80 a-c 15.33 ab 275.36 a-c
T4 231.13 ab 14.39 bc 276.58 a-c
T5 233.10 ab 14.03 bc 266.11 bc
T6 235.13 a 14.42 bc 280.21 ab
T7 214.80 a-c 12.32 d 224.32 d
T8 209.50 c 13.26 cd 247.87 cd
T9 206.13 c 13.17 cd 237.83 d
T10 222.30 a-c 14.10 bc 275.41 a-c
Mean 219.89 14.08 265.74
S.Em± 6.415 0.446 8.705
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
60 DAS) accounted for significantly higher available nitrogen content (235.13 kg/ha).
However, it was on par with T1, T3, T4, T5, T7 and T10 treatments. The lowest available
nitrogen content (209.50 and 206.13 kg/ha) recorded in T8 treatment (80 kg N per ha in three
(80 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 30 kg N at 60
DAS).
4.6.2 Available phosphorus (kg/ha)

A significant difference was observed in the available P2O5 content of soil after
harvest of the wheat crop. Data pertaining to available P2O5 content revealed that T2
kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significant higher available P2O5 content (16.18 kg/ha) in soil
compared to rest of the treatments. However, T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as
33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) was on par with it (15.33
kg/ha). The lowest available P2O5 content (12.32 kg/ha) was recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg
N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS +
20 kg N at 60 DAS).
4.6.3 Available Potassium (kg/ha)

Data on available K2O showed that T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20
kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly
higher available K2O content (300.57 kg/ha). However, it was on par with T1, T3, T4, T6 and
T10 treatments. Significantly lower available K2O content (224.32 and 237.83 kg/ha) was
observed in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at
20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS) and T9 treatment (80 kg N per ha in three
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS).
4.7 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

Data on gross returns, net returns and benefit cost ratio are furnished in Table 14
and Fig. 6.
4.7.1 Gross Returns (Rs./ha)

The gross returns with respect to different treatments in wheat were statistically
significant. T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N
at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) and T6 treatment (120 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N
as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS) recorded
significantly higher gross returns (51605 and 52530 Rs./ha) as compared to rest of
treatments. However, it was on par with T1, T3, T4, T5 and T10 treatments. The lowest gross
returns (44660 Rs./ha) was recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N
4.7.2 Net Returns (Rs./ha)

The higher net returns (39036 and 39460 Rs./ha) were recorded in T2 treatment (100
kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40
DAS) and T6 treatment (120 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at
20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30 kg N 60 DAS) over T7 treatment. Whereas, remaining
treatments were on par with each other. The lower net returns (32112 Rs./ha) recorded in T7
4.7.3 Benefit cost ratio (B: C)

The B: C differed significantly with different Treatments. The higher B: C (3.11, 3.06,
3.02 and 3.06) was recorded in T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as
basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS), T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three
splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS), T6 treatment (120
Table 14. Cost of cultivation, gross returns, net returns and benefit cost ratio of wheat
Research station
Treatment
Cost of cultivation Gross returns Net returns Benefit Cost
(Rs./ha) (Rs./ha) (Rs./ha) ratio
T1 13049 48977 a-d* 35927 a-d 2.75 ab
T2 12569 51605 a 39036 a 3.11 a
T3 12569 51034 ab 38465 ab 3.06 a
T4 12809 50467 a-c 37659 a-c 2.94 a
T5 13310 50640 ab 37330 a-c 2.80 ab
T6 13070 52530 a 39460 a 3.02 a
T7 12548 44660 d 32112 d 2.56 b
T8 12308 46530 b-d 34222 b-d 2.78 ab
T9 12308 45870 cd 33562 cd 2.73 ab
T10 12329 50069 a-c 37740 a-c 3.06 a
Mean 12687 49238 36551 2.88
S.Em± - 1421 1421 0.114
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
40000
35000
30000
Net returns (Rs/ha)
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10
Treatment
Fig. 6. Net returns (Rs./ha) of wheat cultivation as influenced by different levels and time of nitrogen application on Research station
kg N per ha in four splits as 20kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS
+ 30 kg N 60 DAS) and T10 treatment (100 kg N per ha in two splits as 50 kg N as basal dose
+ 50 kg N at 30 DAS). It was on par with remaining treatments. T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha
60 DAS) recorded lower B: C of 2.56.
4.8 RESULTS OF FARMERS FIELD TRIAL (Baby trials)

4.8.1 SPAD Meter Reading
Data on SPAD meter reading are presented in Table 15.
At 50 DAS
rest of the treatments. However, it was on par with T3 (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg
N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) and T6 treatment (120 kg N per
N at 60 DAS) with SPAD value of 43.60 and 42.83. The lowest SPAD value (38.57) was
observed in T9 treatment (80 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at
20 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS).
At 60 DAS
T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three split as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20

DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly higher SPAD value (44.05) over other
treatments. However, it was on par with T3 (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N at basal
stage + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) and T6 treatment (120 kg N per ha in four
DAS) which recorded SPAD value of 42.10 and 41.42. The lowest SPAD value (38.17)
At 70 DAS
Higher SPAD value of 43.50 was recorded in T6 treatment (120 kg N per ha in four
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30 kg N 60 DAS)
than other treatments followed by T1, T2, T3, T5 and T9 treatments Which recorded SPAD
value of 40.72, 41.72, 42.67, 40.43 and 39.90 and were on par with each other. T7 treatment
(80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40
DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS) was lowest SPAD value of 38.03.
At 80 DAS
ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS).
However, the on par treatments were T1, T3, T4, T5 and T6 treatment. The lowest SPAD value
(34.48) was observed in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose
+ 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
4.9 STUDIES ON CROP YIELD

Data on grain yield, straw yield and Harvest index are presented in Table 16 and Fig. 7.
4.9.1 Grain yield (q/ha)

Different levels and time of N application exhibited significant difference in grain yield.
Higher grain yield (42.82, 41.11, 40.85 and 41.44 q per ha) was recorded in T2, T3, T4 and T6
treatments than other treatments. However, it was on par with T1, T5 and T10 treatments which
recorded grain yield of 39.30, 40.24 and 39.58 q per ha. The lowest grain yield (34.99 q/ha)
Table 15. Chlorophyll content of wheat estimated through SPAD meter as influenced by
Farmers field
Treatment SPAD Meter Reading
50 DAS 60 DAS 70 DAS 80 DAS
T1 40.17 bc* 39.72 bc 40.72 a-c 37.98 a-e
T2 46.20 a 44.05 a 41.72 a-c 40.65 a
T3 43.60 ab 42.10 ab 42.67 ab 39.30 a-c
T4 38.82 c 38.32 bc 38.63 c 38.43 a-d
T5 39.10 c 38.72 bc 40.43 a-c 38.25 a-d
T6 42.83 a-c 41.42 a-c 43.50 a 39.93 ab
T7 40.00 bc 37.98 c 38.03 c 34.48 e
T8 40.67 bc 39.02 bc 38.10 c 35.92 c-e
T9 38.57 c 38.17 c 39.90 a-c 35.38 de
T10 40.77 bc 39.42 bc 39.33 bc 36.80 b-e
Mean 41.07 39.82 40.30 37.71
S.Em± 1.264 1.151 1.169 1.124
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
was recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg
N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
4.9.2 Straw yield (q/ha)

Data on straw yield differed significantly due to different levels and time of N
application. T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N
at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) accounted for significantly higher straw yield (72.90 q/ha)
compared to rest of the treatments. Whereas, T3, T5 and T6 treatments were on par with each
other (69.80, 67.18 and 70.56 q/ha). The lowest straw yield (58.73 q per ha) recorded in T7
treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N at basal stage + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20
4.9.3 Harvest Index

Data on harvest index of wheat did not differ significantly due to different levels and
time of N application. However numerically higher harvest index (0.383) was observed with T2
kg N at 40 DAS).
4.10 YIELD ATTRIBUTES

2
Data on yield attributes/components viz., effective tillers per m , 1000- grain weight,
number of grains per ear head and weight of grains per ear head are furnished in Table 17.
4.10.1 Effective tillers per m2 area

Data on effective tillers per square m differed significantly due to different levels and
time of N application. Among the different treatments, T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40DAS) recorded higher
effective tillers per square m (338.7) followed by T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits
as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) and T6 treatment (120
kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS
+ 30 kg N 60 DAS) which recorded 314.7 and 330.7 number of effective tillers per square m.
The lowest number of effective tillers (262.7) recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four
DAS).
4.10.2 Number of grains and grain weight per ear head (g)
A significant difference in number of grains per ear head was observed due to
different levels and time of N application. In general, T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three
40 DAS) recorded higher number of grains per ear head (42.7 and 41.8). However, it was on
par with T1, T4, T5, T6 and T10 treatments. The lowest number of grains per ear head (36.9) was
received in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at
Similarly, the grain weight of 1.97 g was recorded with T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha
in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS). However,
it was on par with T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg N at basal stage + 33
kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) (1.91 g). T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as
20 kg N at basal stage + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS) was
found the least grain weight per ear head (1.67 g).
4.10.3 1000-grain weight (g)

Data on 1000-grain weight differed significantly due to different levels and time of N
application, among the different treatments, T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as
20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) recorded significantly
Table 16. Grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of wheat as influenced by different
Farmers field
Treatment
Grain yield (q/ha) Straw yield (q/ha) Harvest index
T1 39.30 a-c* 64.36 b-d 0.379 ab
T2 42.82 a 72.90 a 0.383 a
T3 41.11 a 69.80 ab 0.371 ab
T4 40.85 a 65.74 bc 0.370 b
T5 40.24 ab 67.18 ab 0.375 ab
T6 41.44 a 70.56 ab 0.370 b
T7 34.99 d 58.73 d 0.373 ab
T8 36.56 cd 60.86 cd 0.375 ab
T9 35.90 b-d 60.50 cd 0.372 ab
T10 39.58 a-c 65.69 bc 0.376 ab
Mean 39.28 65.63 0.37
S.Em± 1.163 1.913 0.003
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
80
Grain yield
Straw yield
70
60
Grain and straw yield (q/ha)
50
40
30
20
10
0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10
Treatment
Fig. 7. Grain yield and straw yield (q/ha) as influenced by different levels and time of nitrogen application on Farmers field
Table 17. Number of grains, grain weight per ear head, thousand grain weight and
number of ear heads per sq. m. of wheat as influenced by different levels and time of N
application
Farmers field
Treatment
No. of grains/ear Grain weight 1000-grain No. of ear
head (g/ear head) weight (g) heads/m2
T1 40.2 a-c* 1.82 a-d 39.17 b-e 308.0 b
T2 42.7 a 1.97 a 42.75 a 338.7 a
T3 41.8 a 1.91 ab 41.90 ab 314.7 ab
T4 39.1 a-c 1.80 b-d 40.66 a-d 309.3 b
T5 39.6 a-c 1.79 b-d 39.35 b-e 310.7 b
T6 41.4 ab 1.86 a-c 40.93 a-c 330.7 ab
T7 36.9 c 1.67 d 36.83 e 262.7 c
T8 37.7 bc 1.69 d 38.22 c-e 273.3 c
T9 37.4 bc 1.71 cd 37.65 de 278.7 c
T10 40.3 a-c 1.80 b-d 39.83 a-e 305.3 b
Mean 39.7 1.80 39.73 303.2
S.Em± 1.19 0.047 0.951 8.32
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
higher 1000-grain weight (42.75 g) over rest of the treatments. However, it was on par with
T3, T4, T6 and T10 treatments (41.90, 40.66, 40.93 and 39.83 g). The lowest 1000-grains
weight (36.83 g) was found in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal
dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS).
4.11 NITROGEN UPTAKE BY THE CROP (kg/ha)

Data on nitrogen uptake by grains, straw and total uptake at harvest are presented in
Table 18.
4.11.1 Nitrogen uptake by grain (kg/ha)

Significant differences were observed in nitrogen uptake by grains due to different
levels and time of N application. Among the different treatments, T3 (100 kg N per ha in three
(120 kg N per ha in five splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS + 25 kg N at 40
DAS + 25 kg N at 60 DAS + 25 kg N at 80 DAS) accounted for significantly higher nitrogen
uptake (89.80 and 91.02 kg/ha) than other treatments followed by T1, T2 , T4 and T6
treatments (87.21 kg/ha). The least nitrogen uptake (75.53 kg/ha) was received in T9
kg N at 60 DAS).
4.11.2 Nitrogen uptake by straw (kg/ha)

Data on nitrogen uptake by straw varied significantly due to different levels and time
of N application.
Significantly higher nitrogen uptake by straw (34.65 kg/ha) was observed in T5

kg N at 40 DAS + 25 kg N at 60 DAS + 25 kg N at 80 DAS) than other treatments. However, it
was on par with T2, T3 , and T6 treatments which recorded 32.23, 33.92 and 32.90 kg per ha
of nitrogen uptake by straw. T8 treatment (80 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal
dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 30 kg N at 40 DAS) and T10 treatment (100 kg N per ha in two
splits as 50 kg N as basal dose + 50 kg N at 30 DAS) accounted for significantly lowest
nitrogen uptake by straw (28.87 and 28.85 kg/ha).
4.11.3 Total nitrogen uptake (kg/ha)

Data on Total nitrogen uptake differed significantly due to different levels and time of
N application. Among the different treatments, T5 treatment (120 kg N per ha in five splits as
20 kg N as basal dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS + 25 kg N at 40 DAS + 25 kg N at 60 DAS + 25
kg N at 80 DAS) recorded significantly higher total nitrogen uptake (125.67 kg/ha) over other
treatments. However, it was on par with T3 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 33 kg
N at basal stage + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS) and T6 treatment (120 kg N per
N at 60 DAS) recorded total nitrogen uptake of 123.72 and 118.25 kg/ha. The lowest total
nitrogen uptake (104.86 kg/ha) was recorded in T9 (80 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N
as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS).
4.12 GRAIN PROTEIN CONTENT (%)

Data pertaining to grain protein content is furnished in Table 18.
It is evident from Table 18 that T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T10 treatments resulted in
higher protein content of 13.97, 14.30, 14.77, 14.40, 15.17, 15.33 and 14.50 and it was
significantly superior over rest of the treatments followed by T7, T8 and T9 treatments of
protein content of 11.83, 12.60 and 12.67.
Table 18. Nitrogen uptake (kg/ha) by grains, straw, total nitrogen uptake and protein
content (%) of wheat influenced by different levels and time of N application
Farmers field
Treatment
N uptake N uptake Protein content
Total N uptake
(Grain) (Straw) (%)
T1 84.46 a-c* 31.45 b-d 115.91 cd 13.97 a
T2 87.21 ab 32.23 a-c 119.44 bc 14.30 a
T3 89.80 a 33.92 ab 123.72 ab 14.77 a
T4 84.83 a-c 30.95 b-d 115.78 cd 14.40 a
T5 91.02 a 34.65 a 125.67 a 15.33 a
T6 85.35 a-c 32.90 ab 118.25 a-c 15.17 a
T7 80.00 b-d 29.35 cd 109.35 de 11.83 b
T8 78.27 cd 28.87 d 107.14 e 12.60 b
T9 75.53 d 29.33 cd 104.86 e 12.67 b
T10 77.07 d 28.85 d 105.92 e 14.50 a
Mean 83.35 31.25 114.60 13.95
S.Em± 2.247 0.933 2.336 0.419
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
4.13 AVAILABLE NUTRIENTS IN SOIL (kg/ha)
Data on available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content (kg/ha) of soil after
harvest of crop as influenced by different levels and time of N application are presented in
Table 19.
4.13.1 Available Nitrogen (kg/ha)

It is obvious from the data showed in Table 19 that T6 treatment (120 kg N per ha in
60 DAS) recorded significantly higher available nitrogen content (232.93 kg/ha) over rest of
the treatments. However, T1, T4, T5, T7 and T10 treatments were found on par with it which
recorded available N content of 224.45, 228.98, 230.43, 213.32 and 221.23 kg per ha. The
lowest available N content (203.67 kg/ha) was found in T8 treatment (80 kg N per ha in three
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 30 kg N at 40 DAS).
4.13.2 Available phosphorus (kg/ha)

Significant difference was observed in the available P2O5 content of soil after harvest
of the wheat crop. Data pertaining to available P2O5 content revealed that T2 treatment (100
kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40
DAS) recorded significant higher available P2O5 content (15.57 kg/ha) in soil than other
treatments. The next best treatments were T1, T3, T4, T5, T6 T8, T9 and T10 treatments. The
lowest available P2O5 content (12.26 kg/ha) was recorded in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in
60 DAS).
4.13.3 Available Potassium (kg/ha)

Data on available K2O showed that T2 treatment (100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20
kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) recorded higher available K2O
content (320.37 kg/ha) and it was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. T3 and T10
treatments were on par with it (296.90 and 310.90 kg/ha). Significantly lower available K2O
content (219.71 kg/ha) was observed in T7 treatment (80 kg N per ha in four splits as 20 kg N

Data on correlation between yield and growth parameters, yield components and
protein content are furnished in Table 20.
The correlation studies between yield and growth parameters, yield components and
protein content revealed that grain yield had positive and significant correlation with total dry
matter production at 30, 60 and 90 DAS (r = 0.667, 0.895 and 0.850, respectively), leaf area
at 30, 60 and 90 DAS (r = 0.886, 0.904 and 0.881, respectively), number of tillers (r = 0.897,
0.891 and 0.941, respectively ), SPAD meter readings at 50, 60, 70 and 80 DAS (r = 0.611,
0.738, 0.722 and 0.939, respectively), effective tillers at harvest (r = 0.981), 1000-grain weight
(r = 0.948), number of grains per ear head (r = 0.936), grain weight per ear head (r = 0.968)
and protein content (r = 0.904).
Table 19. Available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil after harvest of wheat
Farmers field
Treatment Available soil nutrient (kg/ha)
Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K2O)
T1 224.45 a-c* 13.05 bc 253.82 d
T2 210.43 bc 15.57 a 320.37 a
T3 211.30 bc 14.19 b 296.90 a-c
T4 228.98 ab 13.03 bc 275.08 cd
T5 230.43 ab 13.86 b 274.19 cd
T6 232.93 a 13.98 b 287.17 bc
T7 213.32 a-c 12.26 c 219.71 e
T8 203.67 c 12.97 bc 256.01 d
T9 207.47 c 12.84 bc 250.55 d
T10 221.23 a-c 13.77 b 310.90 ab
Mean 218.42 13.55 274.47
S.Em± 6.365 0.408 8.824
80DAS
flowering
80 DAS
Table 20. Correlation coefficient (r) between grain yield (q/ha) and growth parameters,
yield and protein content of wheat as influenced by levels and time of nitrogen
applications
Parameters Correlation coefficient (r)
Growth parameters
TDM at 30 DAS 0.667*
TDM at 60 DAS 0.895**
TDM at 90 DAS 0.850**
Leaf area at 30 DAS 0.886**
Number of tillers at 30 DAS 0.897**
SPAD 50 DAS 0.611
SPAD 60 DAS 0.738*
SPAD 70 DAS 0.722*
SPAD 80 DAS 0.939**
Yield parameters at harvest
Effective tillers at harvest 0.981**
Number of grains/ear 0.936**
Grain weight/ear 0.968**
1000-grain weight 0.948**
Quality parameters
Protein content 0.904**
TDM – Total dry matter production

DAS – Days after sowing
* Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).
** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
5. DISCUSSION
Results of the field experiment conducted to study the nitrogen management in wheat
under irrigated conditions at Water Management Research Center (WMRC) Belvatagi and
Farmers field, Karlavada (Dharwad District) during rabi 2007-08 are discussed in this chapter.
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) a thermo-sensitive long day winter cereal adapts well to
the cooler climatic conditions. With the introduction of high yielding varieties of wheat in
practical crop production with greater use of high analysis chemical fertilizers coupled with
monocropping has resulted in mining of soils resulting to deficiencies of nutrients which lead
to wide spread low harvest of poor quality grains. Improper and injudicious use of nutrients is
one of the major hurdles in increasing the wheat production. Among the major plant nutrients,
nitrogen is more important in increasing the wheat yield. But applied nitrogen is subjected to
various losses (viz., runoff, leaching, volatilization, denitrification, fixation, removal by weeds
etc.) in the field resulting in low yield. The efficiency of utilization of added nitrogen fertilizer by
wheat crop is about 50 to 70 per cent. In order to get maximum benefit from nitrogen use, it
should not only be applied in right quantity but also at right time. This calls for application of
nitrogen at various times according to the active growth stages of crop for exploiting the yield
potential as well as the nitrogen use efficiency. Besides increased production, the quality of
produce is also important which is influenced primarily by variety of crop, levels of fertilizers
and their time of application, soil type and climatic condition etc. (Halliday, 1960; Linser,
1960).
5.1 WEATHER AND CROP GROWTH

Environment is the foster parent of plants. The fluctuations in weather conditions truly
reflect on crop growth and development and ultimately on yield. The weather parameters
such as maximum temperature and minimum temperature and relative humidity were
conductive to the crop during the growth period. Sowing of the crop at right time might have
helped in matching the crop growth to favourable climatic conditions (Table 2 and Fig. 1). The
crop did not experience any abiotic and biotic stresses during any of its growth period.
5.2 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS AND TIME OF

NITROGEN APPLICATION ON GROWTH AND GROWTH
COMPONENTS
Growth in plants has various phases which starts with activation of embryo and ends
with maturation of seed (yield). The processes involved in plant growth and development are
more oftenly limited by deficiency of nitrogen than any other nutrient. Hence, application of
nitrogen to present day cultivars is necessary for getting higher yield (Reddy and Prasad,
1977). Proper dose and time of application of nitrogen to maintain availability in adequate
amount at active growth stages of plant can check not only their losses but also increase
efficiency of added nitrogen due to efficient uptake and recovery (Deshmukh et al., 1994).
In the present investigation, three levels and five splits of nitrogen application were
studied. The results of the present investigation revealed that data on plant height of wheat
due to different levels and time of N application differed significantly at all stages of crop
growth. At 30 and 60 DAS, application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits
as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS (T3 treatment)
accounted for significantly higher plant height (28.9, 70.0 cm at 30, 60 DAS, respectively)
over rest of the treatments. The initial faster growth might have led to higher growth rate of
leaf and stem and also due to increased activity of meristematic cells and cell elongation of
internodal with higher dose of nitrogen applied at the time of sowing might have played major
role in increasing plant height. At 90 DAS, application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg per ha
in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2
treatment) accounted significantly higher plant height (79.7 cm) than other methods of
nitrogen application. This might be due to the favourable effect of nitrogen applied at 40 DAS
which creates need of nitrogen required at boot stage and later stage due to active plant
growth.
The pre-requisite for getting higher yields in any crop is higher total dry matter
production (TDMP) and its partitioning into various plant parts coupled with maximum
translocation of photosynthates to the sink. Total dry matter accumulation (TDMA) is a result
of dry matter accumulation in individual plant parts which depends on nutrient concentration in
plant parts. Higher total dry matter (TDM) production coupled with maximum translocation of
dry matter (DM) into sink decides the yield of crops (Krishnamurthy et al., 1973). Data on total
dry matter production differed significantly due to different levels and time of nitrogen
application. At 30 DAS, application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 33
kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS (T3 treatment) accounted for
significantly higher total dry matter production (55.3 g per m row length). This was due to the
favourable effect of higher dry matter distribution in leaf, stem and higher rate of dry matter
accumulation. At 60 and 90 DAS, application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment)
recorded significantly higher total dry matter production (184.3 and 230.3 g per m row length,
respectively). Similar observations were also made by Sandhu and Gill (1976). The increase
in total dry matter production was mainly due to improvement in growth parameters like plant
height, number of tillers, leaf area and leaf area duration.
At 30 DAS, application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 33 kg

as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS (T3 treatment) accounted for
significantly higher dry matter accumulation in leaf and stem (32.3 and 23.0 g per m row
length, respectively) than other levels and time of nitrogen applications and was on par with
that of application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 20 kg as basal
dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment). However, application of
nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 20 kg as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20
DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment) resulted in significantly higher leaf dry weight (73.3
and 92.7 g per m row length at 60 and 90 DAS, respectively), stem dry weight (82.7 and 97.3
g per m row length at 60 and 90 DAS, respectively) and ear head dry weight (28.3 and 40.3 g
per m row length at 60 and 90 DAS, respectively). These results corroborate the findings of
Patel (1999).
The proportionate distribution of dry matter into leaves, stem and reproductive parts
(ear) indicate greater biological efficiency of the plant. Higher dry matter accumulation in the
leaves which are photosynthetically active was responsible for overall crop growth. At 30
2
DAS, significantly higher leaf area (17.75 dm /plant) was observed with 100 kg N per ha in
three splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS (T3
treatment) and application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 20 kg as
basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment) was at par with each
other. At 60 and 90 DAS, application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as
20 kg as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment) recorded
significantly higher leaf area (33.19 and 31.62 dm2/plant) than other levels and time of
nitrogen applications. Similar results were also reported by Khalifa (1973). Maximum total dry
matter production with application of nitrogen in three splits (20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N
at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS) was the consequence of higher leaf area at all the growth
stages of crop growth.
The rate of production and number of tillers in crops like wheat are dependent upon
nutrient supply. The most critical period of influencing growth and yield of wheat is the crown
root initiation stage. In dwarf wheat, crown roots develop about three weeks after sowing. The
application of fertilizer and irrigation at this stages helps not only in better development and
spread of crown roots but also helps in greater and synchronized tillering. The nitrogen
applied at this stage stimulates the development of roots and tillers. At 30 DAS, application of
nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20
DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS (T3 treatment) recorded significantly higher number of tillers (118.7
per m row length), while it was at par with that of application of nitrogen at rate of 100 kg N
per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2
treatment). At 60 and 90 DAS, application of nitrogen at rate of 100 kg N per ha in three splits
as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment) accounted
for significantly higher number of tillers (212.0 and 166.7 per m row length at 60 and 90 DAS,
respectively) than other levels and time of nitrogen application. The reason might be the
favorable effect vis-a-vis increased availability of N at all growth stages to exploit fully the
tillering potential of wheat. These results corroborate the findings of Gill et al. (1970).
5.3 EFFECT OF TIME OF NITROGEN APPLICATION ON

SPAD METER READINGS
The results of the present investigation revealed that data on SPAD meter readings of
wheat due to different levels and time of N application differed significantly at all stages of
crop growth. Application of nitrogen at rate of 100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as
basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment) recorded higher SPAD
units (40.57 at 80 DAS). Similar results were also reported by Singh et al. (2002).In case of
farmers field the same trend was continued for SPAD meter readings up to 80 DAS.
5.4 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS AND TIME OF N

APPLICATION ON YIELD AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES
Grain yield depends on production of photosynthates and their distribution among
various plant parts. The synthesis, accumulation and translocation of photosynthates depend
upon efficient photosynthetic structure as well as the extent of translocation into sink (grains)
and also on plant growth and development during early stages of crop growth. The production
and translocation of synthesized photosynthates depend upon mineral nutrition supplied
either by soil or through foliar application. Most of the photosynthetic pathways are dependent
on enzymes and co-enzymes which are synthesized by mineral elements such as nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium.
Data on grain yield of wheat due to different levels and time of N application differed
significantly. Nitrogen applied at the rate of 100 kg nitrogen per ha in three splits as 20 kg N
as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment) and 33 kg N as basal
dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS (T3 treatment) accounted for significantly
higher grain yield (40.97 and 40.24 q/ha, respectively). The beneficial effects of three split
nitrogen application as observed here in are in conformity with the observations of Patel et al.
(1968) and Bhopalsingh and Singh (1991). Higher yield under T2 and T3 treatments receiving
nitrogen in three splits over two, four and five splits can be attributed to decrease in nitrogen
loss due to three split application. Further the time of N application in above splits coincides
with the critical stages of growth in the grand growth phases viz., crown roots (CRI), tiller
primordial formation, tillering and boot stage. It helps in maintaining the higher levels of
available nitrogen in the soil at these growth stages and throughout the growing period,
accentuating greater uptake of nitrogen, higher nitrogen content in grain and straw
augmenting the higher values of yield contributing characters viz., increased number of grains
per ear head, grain weight per ear head, 1000-grain weight and effective tillers per m2 area
and the increase in nitrogen uptake also enhanced physiological activities of plants and
thereby improvised yield attributes and dry matter production.
Between the levels of nitrogen, application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg per ha
was superior in grain yield than application of nitrogen at the rate of 120 kg per ha. It was due
to application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg per ha in tree splits was on par with application
of nitrogen at the rate of 120 kg per ha in four or five splits indicating saving of 20 kg N per ha
without sacrificing yield level.
Nitrogen applied at the rate of 80 kg per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose +

20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS (T7 treatment) accounted for
significantly lowest grain yield (34.78 q/ha). This might be due to lower dose of nitrogen which
cause shortage of the plant requirement in early stages resulting in reduced tillering and
inadequate availability of soil N to plant affecting grain yield at large compared to other levels
and time of nitrogen application.
In case of farmers field, nitrogen applied at the rate of 100 kg N per ha in three splits
as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment), 33 kg N
as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS (T3 treatment), 20 kg N as basal
dose + 27 kg N at CRI stage + 27 kg N at Boot leaf Stage + 26 kg N at 50% flowering (T4
treatment) and nitrogen applied at the rate of 120 kg per ha in five splits as 20 kg N as basal
dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30 kg N 60 DAS (T6 treatment) recorded on
par yield levels. It was due to higher levels of available nitrogen in the soil throughout the
growing period, higher values of yield contributing characters viz., increased number of grains
per ear head, grain weight per ear head, 1000-grain weight and effective tillers per m2 area
and dry matter production.
Data on straw yield also differed significantly due to different levels and time of N
application. Nitrogen applied at the rate of 100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal
dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment) and 33 kg N as basal dose +
33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS (T3 treatment) accounted for significantly higher
straw yield (67.32 and 67.16 q/ha, respectively) than other levels and time of nitrogen
application. In case of farmers field, nitrogen applied at the rate of 100 kg N per ha in three
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment)
recorded significantly higher straw yield than other levels and time of nitrogen application.
This was due to higher availability of nitrogen which resulted in more tillers at 60 DAS, ear
2
heads per m area, leaf area, leaf area index, plant height, total dry matter production and its
distribution in different plant parts. Similar results were also reported by Deshmukh et al.
(1994) and Patel (1999).
Harvest index (HI) did not differ significantly due to different levels and time of
nitrogen application. It might be due to proportionate production of grain and straw yields in
wheat by different nutrient treatments which kept harvest index values almost constant.
Nitrogen applied at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 100 kg N per ha in
treatment) caused for significantly higher yield components viz., number of grains per ear
head (42.5), grain weight per ear head (1.90 g), effective tillers (332.0) and 1000-grain weight
(42.00) as compared to other levels and time of nitrogen application. This might be due to
higher dry matter production and translocation of photosynthates from sources (leaves and
stem) to sink (ear heads and grains), higher leaf area and greater uptake of nitrogen. Similar
results were also reported by Patel (1999) who observed productive tillers, number of grains
per panicle and 1000-grain weight with split application of nitrogen fertilizer. In case of
farmers field also, data varied similarly.
2
Number of effective tillers per m area at harvest were higher with nitrogen applied at
the rate of 100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50
kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment) on both Research station and Farmers field. This was because
of the increased soil nitrogen which resulted in profused tillering and development of strong
and healthier tillers. These results are in conformity with the findings of Sandhu et al. (1978)
and Singh (1998).
5.5 GRAIN PROTEIN CONTENT OF WHEAT AS INFLUENCED

BY DIFFERENT LEVELS AND TIME OF N APPLICATION
Quality of food grains is a complex phenomenon and may be influenced by several
factors which may be genetic and / or environmental factors. Cultural practices also
considerably influence the grain quality. The effect of fertilizer particularly nitrogen seems to
have most pronouncing effect on grain quality of wheat (Sardana, 2000). Application of
nitrogen coinciding the growth stages of the crop mainly in irrigated conditions serve as one of
the most important factors which can be moulded for exploiting grain yield as well as its
quality.
Grain protein is important in human and animal nutrition. Nitrogen is an important

constituent of plant proteins and is most frequently deficient element. Protein content of wheat
flour is the principle factor in determining its baking properties (Bequette et al., 1963).
Accomplished studies indicate that under some conditions, nitrogen fertilizer applied to wheat
crop at boot stage and thereafter at anthesis not only increased the grain yield but also
improved the baking quality (Emam and Moaied, 1998). Also, the availability of soil nitrogen to
wheat crop at flowering has lead to increased protein content of the grains (Hucklesby et al.,
1971).
The results on protein content revealed beneficial effect of different levels and time of
N application. Nitrogen applied at the rate of 120 kg per ha in five splits as 20 kg N as basal
dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS + 25 kg N at 40 DAS + 25 kg N at 60 DAS + 25 kg N at 80 DAS (T5
treatment) accounted for significantly higher protein content in grains (15.33%). The reason
might be due to increased availability of nitrogen up to flowering stage which might have
enhanced its uptake. Nitrogen being the essential constituent makes up for 16 per cent by
weight of protein is found to affect the protein content and enhance it, if it is available in
abundance. Nitrogen redistribution from wheat stems and leaves during grain development
provides 60 to 75 percent of the nitrogen required for protein synthesis. The remainder of the
grain nitrogen content is derived from the chaff, roots and soils. Eventhrough only a relatively
small proportion of final grain nitrogen content is derived from soil during grain development,
nitrogen top dressing at or just prior to anthesis apparently can be recovered soon enough to
have a significant impact on grain protein (smith, 1962). The findings of the present
investigation are similar to those reported by Robinson et al., 1979 and Bhopalsingh and
Singh (1991).
5.6 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS AND TIME OF

NITROGEN APPLICATION ON NITROGEN UPTAKE
Application of fertilizers enhances the accumulation of nutrients in the soil solution
and consequently their uptake. Nitrogen uptake increased with split application of nitrogen
Application of nitrogen at the rate of 120 kg per ha in five splits as 20kg N as basal
dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS + 25 kg N at 40 DAS + 25 kg N at 60 DAS + 25 kg N at 80 DAS (T5
treatment) accounted for significantly higher total N uptake (124.86 and 125.67 kg/ha) than
other levels and splits of nitrogen application on both research station and farmers field.
Nitrogen uptake per ha was higher with application of N in three splits because of higher grain
yield, straw yield and tiller production.
Lower total N Uptake (105.04 and 104.86 kg/ha) was recorded with the application of
80 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 30 kg N at 60
DAS (T9 treatment) on both research station and farmers field. This was due to greater losses
of applied nitrogen and less rate and availability of nitrogen at later stages than rest of the
treatments.

The interdependence of two or more variables can be explained by correlation
studies. Significant positive correlation (r) values between grain yield and yield attributing
characters and protein content were observed in Table 20. Similar results were reported by
Upadhay et al. (1993) and Palaniappan and Johnkutty (1996) who observed significant and
positive correlation of grain yield with growth parameters in rice and wheat. The positive
correlation indicated the contribution of yield attributing characters, growth parameters and
protein content to the grain yield production. Similarly, total dry matter production was also
strongly correlated with growth components and yield attributes indicating their
interdependence and ultimate contribution to the grain yield.
5.8 ECONOMICS
The economic returns measures the profitability of a system. The farmers adopt only
such practices that are more profitable. The price of inputs and farm produce change from
time to time and place to place thus profitable nutrient management system in crop production
also agrees accordingly.
Assessment of treatments in terms of economic traits revealed that the net returns
and benefit cost (B: C) ratio differed significantly due to different levels and time of N
application. Application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as
basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment), 33 kg N as basal dose +
33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS (T3 treatment) and nitrogen at the rate of 120 kg per
N at 60 DAS (T6 treatment) accounted for significantly higher net returns (Rs. 39036, Rs.
38465 and Rs. 39460/ha, respectively) over other levels and time of nitrogen application,
owing to significantly higher economic yields. The reason might be due to higher economic
yield.
Significantly highest benefit cost ratio (3.11) was recorded with application of nitrogen
at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50
kg N at 40 DAS (T2 treatment). However, it was on par with rest of the treatments except
application of nitrogen at the rate of 80 kg per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 20
kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20 kg N at 60 DAS (T7 treatment). The results on net
returns and B: C are the consequence of economic yield of respective levels and time of
nitrogen application (treatments).
5.9 PRACTICAL UTILITY OF THE RESULTS

From the results of present investigation, the following points of practical importance
can be suggested.
1. There is need to enhance the number of splits (three) of nitrogen from current
recommendation (two) to ensure N supply at grain filling on black soils of peninsular
region.
2. Application of 100 kg N in three splits as 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS

+ 34 kg N at 40 DAS and application of 100 kg N in three splits as 20 kg N as basal
dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS are the optimal, which can be used
for exploiting grain yield as well as the quality of wheat as compared to 120 kg N in
four or five splits and 80 kg N in three or four splits.
3. Among the three splits, application of 100 kg N in three splits as 20 kg N as basal

dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS is good than other three splits.
4. Maximum yield of wheat recorded with chlorophyll content of 40.57 units (SPAD
meter).
5.10 FUTURE LINE OF WORK

The aspects which need further investigations are suggested as under.
a. Nitrogen management based on LCC/SPAD in wheat based cropping system need to

be studied.
b. Nitrogen management in INM perspective need to be studied.
c. SPAD/LCC based nitrogen management in relation to type and varieties need to be

studied.
6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of nitrogen management in
wheat under irrigated conditions at Water Management Research Centre (Belvatagi) and
Farmers field at Karlavada (Dharwad district) during rabi 2007-08. A brief summary of the
findings is presented below.
In the present investigation, experiment was laidout in Randomized Complete Block

Design on both Research Station and Farmers field. The treatments were replicated thrice in
Research station and in case of Farmers field, each location was considered as one
replication. During the course of investigation, different growth and yield parameters were
recorded at different stages of crop growth. Data on quality parameters like protein content
(%) in grain was recorded. Nutrients status (N, P and K) after harvest of the crop were also
recorded. Economic analysis was carried out to know the profitability of bread wheat
cultivation under different nutrient management systems.
• Nitrogen applied at the rate of 100 kg in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N

at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS recorded significantly higher plant height (79.7 cm) at 90
DAS than rest of the treatments.
• At all the stages, significantly higher total dry matter production (50.7, 184.3 and 230.3
g/m row length at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, respectively) was recorded in T2 treatment (100 kg
N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40
DAS. Dry matter accumulation (92.7, 97.3 and 40.3 g/m row length in leaf, stem and ear
head at 90 DAS, respectively) in leaf, stem and ear head were also higher with nitrogen
applied at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at
20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS at all the growth stages.
• Significantly higher leaf area (17.20, 33.19 and 31.62 dm2/plant at 30, 60 and 90 DAS,
respectively) was found with the application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg N per ha in
treatment) at all the growth stages of the crop.
• Significantly higher number of tillers (166.7/m row length) were observed with the
application of nitrogen in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50
kg N at 40 DAS.
2 2
• Effective tillers per m (332.0 and 338.7/m ) were significantly more with the nitrogen
applied at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at
20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS on both Research station and Farmers field.
• Number of grains per ear head (42.5 and 42.7) were significantly higher with nitrogen
applied at the rate of 100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N
at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS on both Research station and Farmers field.
• Weight of grains per ear head (1.90 and 1.97 g/ear head) was significantly more with
nitrogen applied at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30
kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS on both Research station and Farmers field.
• Thousand grain weight (42.00 and 42.75 g) was found significantly higher with 100 kg N
per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS
(T2 treatment) on both Research station and Farmers field.
• Grain and straw yields (40.97, 67.32 and 42.82, 72.90 q/ha) were significantly higher with
100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N
at 40 DAS (T2 treatment) and 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at
40 DAS (T3 treatment) over other levels and splits of nitrogen on both Research station
and Farmers field.
• Significantly higher grain protein content (15.33 and 15.33%) was recorded due to
application of nitrogen at the rate of 120 kg per ha in five splits as 20 kg N as basal dose
+ 25 kg N at 20 DAS +25 kg N at 40 DAS +25 kg N at 60 DAS + 25 kg N at 80 DAS ( T5
treatment) on both Research station and Farmers field.
• Maximum total N uptake (124.86 and 125.67 kg/ha) by the crop was obtained due to
nitrogen applied at the rate of 120 kg per ha in five splits as 20kg N as basal dose + 25
kg N at 20 DAS + 25 kg N at 40 DAS + 25 kg N at 60 DAS + 25 kg N at 80 DAS (T5
treatment) on both Research station and Farmers field.
• Soil nitrogen status (235.13 and 232.93 kg/ha) after harvest of the crop was higher in the
treatment where, nitrogen applied at the rate of 120 kg per ha in four splits as 20 kg N as
basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS (T6 treatment)
as compared to nitrogen applied at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as
basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS, whereas, soil phosphorus and
potassium status (16.18, 300.57 and 15.57, 320.37 kg/ha) after harvest of the crop was
higher with nitrogen applied at the rate of 100 kg per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as
basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS on both Research station and
Farmers field.
• Gross returns (Rs.51, 605/ha), net returns (Rs.39, 036/ha) and benefit cost ratio (3.11)
were significantly higher with nitrogen applied at the rate of 100 kg N per ha in three
splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS than other
levels and splits.
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sown conditions. Res. J., J.N.K.V.V., 27:10-15.
Varis, E. and Juceti, T., 1975, Date of nitrogen application in winter wheat production. J. Sci.
Agric. Soc. Finland, 47(3): 270-282.
Verma, U. N., Pal, S.K., Thakur, R., Singh, M.K. and Upasani, R.R., 2000, Nutrient balance
and productivity of wheat under different plant density and fertilizer doses in
Alfisols. Res. J., Birsa Agric. Univ., 23(1):21-24
Verma, U. N. and Srivastava, V. C., 1989, Efficiency of rate and time of nitrogen application in
late sown wheat. Res. J., Birsa Agric. Univ., 1(1): 51-53.
Vidal, I., Longeri, L. and Hetier, J. M., 1999, Nitrogen uptake and chlorophyll meter
measurement in spring wheat. Nutr. Cycling Agroecosyst, 55: 1-6.
APPENDIX I
Prices of inputs and outputs
Sl. No. Particulars Price (Rs.)
A. Inputs
1. Seeds 30.00/kg
2. Fertilizers
a. Urea 6.00/kg
b. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) 9.90/kg
c. Muriate of potash (MOP) 5.00/kg
3. Labour wages
a. Men labour 60.00/day
b. Women labour 40.00/day
4. Land preparation and cultivation (bullock pair)
a. Harrowing 200.00/day
b. Ploughing 200.00/day
5. Irrigation 75.00/irrigation/ ha
B. Outputs
a. Grain 1200.00/q
b. Straw 50.00/q
APPENDIX II
Cost of cultivation of different treatments
Sl.
Treatment Particulars Rs./ha
No.
20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40DAS + 20

1
kg N at 60 DAS + 20 kg N at 80 DAS 13049
2 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at40DAS 12569
3 33 kg N at basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS 12569
20 kg N as basal dose + 27 kg N at CRI stage + 27 kg N at Boot leaf

4
Stage + 26 kg N at 50% flowering 12809
20kg N as basal dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS + 25 kg N at 40 DAS + 25

5
kg N at 60 DAS + 25 kg N at 80 DAS 13310
20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 40 kg N at 40 DAS + 30

6
kg N 60 DAS 13070
20kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS + 20 kg N at 40 DAS + 20

7
kg N at 60 DAS 12548
8 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 30 kg N at 40 DAS 12308
9 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 30 kg N at 60 DAS 12308
10 50 kg N as basal dose + 50 kg N at 30 DAS 12329

NITROGEN MANAGEMENT IN WHEAT UNDER
IRRIGATED CONDITIONS
N. RAMU 2008 Dr. B. N. PATIL

MAJOR ADVISOR
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted to study the nitrogen management under irrigated
conditions at Water Management Research Station (Belvatagi) and three farmer’s field at
Karlavada village (Dharwad district) during rabi 2007-08. The experiment was laid out in
RCBD. The treatments were replicated thrice in research station and in case of farmer’s field,
each location was considered as one replication.
The highest total dry matter (DM) production (230.3 g/m row length), DM
accumulation in leaves (92.7 g/m row length), stem (97.3 g/m row length) and ear (40.3 g/m
row length) was recorded at 90 DAS with application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg N per ha
in three splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS, which also
2
accounted for maximum plant height (79.7 cm), leaf area (31.62 dm ), number of tillers
(166.7) and net returns (Rs.39,036/ha) at research station.
Application of nitrogen at the rate of 100 kg N per ha in three splits as 20 kg N as

basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS recorded maximum grain and straw
yields (40.97, 67.32 and 42.82, 72.90 q/ha), effective tillers per square meter (332.0 and
338.7), number of grains per ha (42.5 and 42.7), grain weight per ear head (1.90 and 1.97
g/ear head), and thousand grain weight (42.00 and 42.75 g) on both research station and
farmers field respectively. Maximum total nitrogen uptake (124.86 and 125.67 kg/ha) and
grain protein content (15.33 and 15.33%) was recorded with application of nitrogen at the rate
of 120 kg per ha in five splits as 20 kg N as basal dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS +25 kg N at 40
DAS +25 kg N at 60 DAS + 25 kg N at 80 DAS.

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NITROGEN MANAGEMENT IN WHEAT UNDER

Thesis submitted to the

Master of Science (Agriculture)

DHARWAD (B. N. PATIL)

Sl. No. Chapter Particulars

Sl. No. Chapter Particulars

1 Physical and chemical properties of soil of the experimental site

2 Monthly meteorological data for the experimental year (2007-08),

3 Plant height of wheat as influenced by different levels and time of N

4 Number of tillers per m row length of wheat at different growth stage

6 Total dry matter production of wheat as influenced by different levels

7 Chlorophyll content of wheat estimated through SPAD meter as

8 Leaf area of wheat as influenced by different levels and time of N

10 Grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of wheat as influenced by

12 Nitrogen uptake (kg/ha) by grains, straw, total nitrogen uptake and

13 Available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil after harvest of

15 Chlorophyll content of wheat estimated through SPAD meter as

16 Grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of wheat as influenced by

18 Nitrogen uptake (kg/ha) by grains, straw, total nitrogen uptake and

19 Available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil after harvest of

20 Correlation coefficient (r) between grain yield (q/ha) and growth

1 Monthly meteorological data for the experimental year (2007-08),

2.1 Plan of layout - Research Station (Mother Trial)

2.2 Plan of layout - Farmers Field (Baby Trials)

3 Total dry matter production (g/m row length) at different growth

4 Chlorophyll content of wheat estimated through SPAD meter as

5 Grain and straw yield (q/ha) of wheat as influenced by different

6 Net returns (Rs./ha) of wheat cultivation as influenced by different

7 Grain yield and straw yield (q/ha) as influenced by different levels

1 General view of wheat crop on Research station

2 General view of wheat crop on Farmers field

I Prices of inputs and outputs

II Cost of cultivation of different treatments

In Karnataka, wheat is grown in typical hot tropical climate, characterized by

Cereal yields are determined by varietal potential, management practices and

Efficient use of nitrogen fertilizer is important to economical wheat production and to

1. To asses the effect of extended split application of nitrogen in wheat

2. To calibrate SPAD meter readings with nitrogen application rates and

3. To work out the economic returns of nitrogen management in wheat

2.1 Effect of extended split application of N in wheat

2.2 Calibration of SPAD meter readings with N application rates

2.3 Economic returns of N management in wheat

2.1 EFFECT OF EXTENDED SPLIT APPLICATION OF N IN

2.1.1 Effect of split application of nitrogen on growth characters

At Dharwad, on medium black soil under irrigated conditions, application of nitrogen

2.1.2 Effect of split application of nitrogen on yield and yield components

Sinha (1975) reported that application of nitrogen up to tiller initiation stage

2.1.3 Nitrogen percentage

2.1.4 Protein content

2.1.5 Nitrogen uptake

Sharma and Kumar (1972) concluded that application of nitrogen one-fourth at

2.2 CALIBRATION OF SPAD METER READINGS WITH N

Balasubramanian et al. (2002) suggested that 20 kg N per ha basal application +

2.3 ECONOMICS OF WHEAT CULTIVATION AS INFLUENCED

3.1 EXPERIMENTAL SITE

3.2 SOIL CHARACTERISTICS OF EXPERIMENTAL SITE

3.3 CLIMATIC CONDITION

3.4 EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS

3.4.2 Treatment Details

T1 : 20 kg N as basal dose + 20 kg N at 20 DAS* + 20 kg N at 40 DAS +

T2 : 20 kg N as basal dose + 30 kg N at 20 DAS + 50 kg N at 40 DAS

T3 : 33 kg N as basal dose + 33 kg N at 20 DAS + 34 kg N at 40 DAS

T4 : 20 kg N as basal dose + 27 kg N at CRI stage* + 27 kg N at Boot leaf stage + 26 kg

T5 : 20 kg N as basal dose + 25 kg N at 20 DAS + 25 kg N at 40 DAS + 25 kg N at 60