17. Effect of nitrogen fertilization and decapitation stress on Triticum aestivum L. (Wheat) productivity
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Abstract
The experiment entitled “effect of nitrogen fertilization and decapitation stress on wheat productivity was laid out in a randomized complete block with split plot arrangement having three replications during winter 2011-12. Variety Siran-2010 was sown at the rate of 120 kg ha-1. Decapitation stress (cutting) was compared with no cutting in main plots while nitrogen levels (0, 100, 140 & 180 kg ha-1) were assigned to the sub plots. Half of the nitrogen was applied at first irrigation, whereas the remaining half was used 70 days after sowing. Decapitation was done by cutting the respective plots with sickle 70 days after sowing. Results of the experiment showed that no cut plots resulted highest number of spikes m-2 (388), grains spike-1 (53.2), thousand grains weight (39.43g), biological yield (10856 kg ha-1) and grain yield (3741 kg ha-1). Cut plots gave additional forage yield of 3243 kg ha-1 and therefore gave additional income of Rs. 4067 ha-1 over control respectively. Maximum spikes m-2 (389), grains spike-1 (56.0) and thousand grains weight (40.22 g) was produced by nitrogen applied at the rate of 140 kg ha-1. Whereas maximum biological yield (11435 kg ha-1), grain yield (4246 kg ha-1), moisture content (12.814%) and crude protein content (12.455%) was produced by nitrogen at the rate of 180 kg ha-1. It is concluded that supplied nitrogen @ 140 kg ha-1 with no decapitation stress seems to be the best choice for wheat producer in the agro-climatic condition of Peshawar valley.
Keywords: Triticum aestivum L. (Wheat); Decapitation; Nitrogen; Yield; Yield components; Economic analysis