Effect of Graded Phosphorus Levels on Productivity and Nutrient Dynamics of Wheat

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2023–24 at the Soil Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, to evaluate the response of wheat variety WH 1270 to graded phosphorus levels and associated nutrient dynamics. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with three replications and a plot size of 6 m × 6 m. Eleven treatments were evaluated: control, 100% recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF), 125% RDF, 150% RDF, 175% RDF, 125% P + NK, 150% P + NK, 175% P + NK, 125% NP + K, 150% NP + K and 175% NP + K. Grain and straw yields were recorded at maturity, and representative grain and straw samples were analysed for phosphorus and potassium contents using standard laboratory procedures. The control treatment recorded the lowest grain yield (34.23 q ha⁻¹) and straw yield (49.81 q ha⁻¹), whereas 175% RDF produced the highest grain yield (51.93 q ha⁻¹) and straw yield (75.80 q ha⁻¹). Phosphorus and potassium contents in grain and straw also increased with higher phosphorus application. The highest phosphorus content in grain (0.51%) and straw (0.22%), and potassium content in grain (0.47%) and straw (1.36%), were recorded under 175% RDF. Treatments receiving higher phosphorus with NK or NP + K improved yield and nutrient content compared with the control, although their performance was generally lower than the corresponding RDF treatment. The results indicate that WH 1270 responded positively to increased and balanced phosphorus fertilisation under the experimental conditions, suggesting the need to reassess phosphorus recommendations for this newly released wheat variety.