Effect of Integrated Nitrogen Management on Growth, Yield and Quality of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of integrated nitrogen management on growth, yield, and quality of wheat. There were highly significant differences among the treatments for the entire parameters investigated. The plant height varied between 77.19 cm to 105.27 cm, with highest values under 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) using urea. Leaf area index (LAI) was maximum in those treatments that were a combination of inorganic fertilizers with biofertilizers, i.e., (4.92), followed by T7, T2, and T14. Crop growth rate (CGR) was highest in (10.17 g/m²/day), statistically equivalent with T9. Yield traits, 1000-seed weight, straw yield, and grain yield, were also maximum under (42.10 g, 7588.33 kg/ha, and 4943.34 kg/ha, respectively), followed very closely by T9 and T13. As a contrast, protein yield (735.26 kg/ha) and protein content (12.89%) were better in T9 (100% RDN via urea + Azotobacter), wherein the biofertilizer synergistic effect was exhibited. From the results, it is evident that although sole urea application pushed the yield to a maximum, use in conjunction with biofertilizers improved grain quality and efficiency in nitrogen utilization. Therefore, integrated nitrogen management is a sustainable approach to enhance the productivity and nutritional value of wheat.