Assessing the Effect of Sowing Methods and Nutrient Management on Growth and Development of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Integrated nutrient management (INM) combines multiple organic sources to ensure a balanced supply of essential nutrients, improving plant growth and resilience. Understanding the interaction between sowing methods and nutrient management in organic wheat farming is essential for optimizing crop productivity and environmental sustainability. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of different sowing methods and nutrient management strategies on the growth and development of wheat under organic farming conditions. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2022–23 and 2023–24. The experiment was laid out in a strip plot design with three replications and horizontal strip four sowing methods treatments viz. S1: Line sowing, S2: Criss cross sowing, S3: Line sowing with 150 % seed rate and S4: Criss cross sowing with 150% seed rate and vertical strip six organic nutrient management viz. N1: 100% RDN, N2: 75% RDN + Azotobactor + PSB, N3: 100% RDN + Azotobactor + PSB, N4: 75% RDN + Azotobactor + 4 foliar spray of 10 % Cow urine at 20 days interval, N5: 100% RDN + Azotobactor + PSB + 4 foliar spray of 10 % Cow urine at 20 days interval and N6: 125% RDN. Results indicated that CGR, RGR, and LAI increased from the early vegetative phase to the reproductive stage, then declined towards maturity due to leaf senescence and remobilization of assimilates. Among sowing methods, criss-cross sowing with 150% seed rate (S4) consistently produced the highest CGR, RGR, and LAI, highlighting the benefits of better plant distribution and canopy structure. Nutrient management significantly influenced LAI and LPR, with the highest values recorded under 125% RDN (N6) and 100% RDN integrated with biofertilizers and cow urine foliar sprays (N5). The lowest growth values were found under the lowest nitrogen level with biofertilizers (N2). The interaction effect between sowing methods and nutrient management was non-significant for all parameters, indicating independent effects. Among nutrient management treatments, applying 125% of the recommended dose of nitrogen produced superior results across most growth parameters, highlighting the importance of adequate nitrogen availability for optimum growth and canopy development. The integrated use of biofertilizers and organic foliar sprays also showed promise, often yielding values comparable to the higher nitrogen level.