Enhancing Wheat Nitrogen and Protein Content in Agroforestry Systems for Climate-Resilience and Food Security

Abstract

This research was conducted at the Forestry Research Farm of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, during the consecutive Rabi seasons of 2021-22. The study employed a double split plot design with three factors: land use systems (S1- open system and S2- agroforestry system), sowing dates (D1- 12 Nov, D2- 27 Nov, D3- 12 Dec), and wheat varieties (V1 - MP-3336 and V2 - GW-322). Each experimental treatment was meticulously replicated three times to ensure robust statistical analysis. Estimating nitrogen and protein content in wheat is crucial for nutrition, quality control, pricing and crop management. Therefore the objective of the study was to estimate nitrogen and protein content in grains of wheat under open and Pongamia Pinnata based agroforestry system. Nitrogen content in wheat grains was quantified using Modified Kjeldahl Method, and subsequently, protein content was calculated based on the determined nitrogen levels. The outcomes of this investigation consistently revealed that the open system consistently exhibited higher levels of nitrogen and protein content when compared to the agroforestry system. Furthermore, earlier sowing dates, particularly D1, contributed to increased nitrogen and protein content, although statistical significance was not achieved. Substantial varietal differences were observed, with MP-3336 consistently outperforming GW-322 in terms of nitrogen and protein content. These findings emphasize the critical role of land use strategies, sowing timing and wheat variety selection in augmenting the nitrogen and protein content of wheat crops, thereby making significant contributions to sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food quality in regions reliant on wheat production.