Growth and Yield Attributes of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as Influenced by Different Sowing Methods in Dhampur Condition

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a vital cereal crop that plays a crucial role in global food security and nutrition. In India, it is extensively cultivated due to its wide adaptability, but crop productivity is strongly influenced by the method of sowing. In the Dhampur region of Uttar Pradesh, farmers traditionally rely on broadcasting, a practice that, despite being simple, often results in higher seed requirement, poor seed placement, uneven germination, weak crop stand, higher weed infestation, and restricted intercultural operations, ultimately reducing yield potential. To address this challenge, a field experiment was conducted during the rabi season 2024–25 at the Agronomic Research Farm, R.S.M. (P.G.) College, Dhampur, Bijnor (U.P.). The study compared seven sowing methods in a randomized block design with three replications, including broadcasting [T₁], line sowing (20 cm spacing) [T₂], square method (20 cm × 20 cm) (3 seed/hill) [T₃], sowing on ridge (45 cm) [T₄], sowing in furrow (45 cm) [T₅], sowing on bed (3 rows) (row spacing - 20 cm, bed width - 60 cm) [T₆], and sowing on bed (5 rows) (row spacing - 20 cm, bed width - 100 cm) [T₇]. The results revealed that the square method (20 cm × 20 cm) (3 seeds/hill) [T₃] consistently outperformed other methods by recording maximum plant height, number of leaf, fresh and dry biomass, and superior yield attributes such as spike length, awn length, and filled grains at 60 and 90 DAS. In contrast, broadcasting and wider bed sowing resulted in poor performance, particularly higher unfilled grains. Therefore, it is scientifically recommended that farmers in the Dhampur region adopt the square method (20 cm × 20 cm,) (3 seeds/hill) [T₃] as a sustainable alternative to broadcasting for achieving better crop growth and higher wheat productivity.