Effect of Different Nitrogen Levels and Nano Urea on Yield and Economics of Wheat under Mid Hills of Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Optimizing nitrogen levels, particularly through nano-urea application, significantly enhances wheat yield by improving nutrient uptake efficiency, leading to increased economic returns while minimizing environmental impact. A field experiment was conducted at Chamelti Agriculture Farm, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan during rabi season of 2023-24 to study the effect of different nitrogen levels and nano urea on yield and economics of wheat under mid hills of Himachal Pradesh. The field experiment was laid out in Split plot design consisting of four treatments in main plot and three treatments in sub plot. The treatments of main plot were comprising of four nitrogen levels viz., Control, 50% RDN, 75% RDN and 100% RDN (recommended dose of nitrogen) and three foliar spray of Nano urea in sub plot viz., at CRI stage, Tillering stage and Jointing stage. The recommended doses of fertilizers were applied in each plot. Phosphorous and potassium were applied as basal at the time of sowing through SSP and MOP. Nitrogen was applied in two split doses, half dose was applied through urea at the time of sowing as basal dose and remaining half dose was applied in two equal splits at the time of CRI and tillering stage. While, foliar application of nano urea was applied as per treatment @ 3 ml l-1 of water. Other operations were performed as per package of practices of this area. The results revealed that application of 100% RDN recorded significantly higher yield and economics. While, Foliar spray of nano urea at jointing stage resulted in significantly higher yield and economics of wheat viz., grain yield (kg ha-1), straw yield (kg ha-1), biological yield (kg ha-1), gross returns (₹ ha-1) and net returns (₹ ha-1).