Unveiling the Synergistic Impact of N & P Levels Alone and in Conjunction with Bio-Inoculants (Azotobacter and PSB) on Growth and Yield of Wheat

Abstract

The experiment conducted during the Rabi season of 2022-23 at Rajoula Agriculture Farm of Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, investigated the growth characteristics and yield attributes of wheat under various treatments. The experiment, utilizing a randomized block design with 3 replications and 13 treatments, including different levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and bio-inoculants (Azotobacter and PSB). The wheat variety RAJ-4238 was grown as test crop. Based on experimental findings result revealed significant effects on wheat growth and yield attributes. Notably, plant height (91.80 cm), tiller count/ plant (7.47), and spike number/plant (14.27) at different stages were significantly improved by specific treatments, with the treatment containing T10 (100% N & P + PSB + Azotobacter + 100% K) consistently producing the most favorable results. Moreover, yield attributes such as number of spikelets/plant (599), number of grains/plant (550), test weight (53.87 gm), straw yield (51.14 q/ha) and grain yield (38.33 q/ha) were all significantly influenced by the same treatment combination T10 (100% N & P + PSB + Azotobacter + 100% K). However harvest index (44.37 %) was significantly influenced by the treatment T12 (50% N & P + PSB + Azotobacter + 100% K). These findings emphasize the potential for tailored nutrient and bio-inoculant management practices to enhance wheat production in the region.