Science Letters

Exploiting the Yield Potential of Wheat Genotype NIA-MB-2 under Different Rates of Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Muhammad Abbas*, Muhammad Irfan, Javaid Ahmed Shah, Muhammad Yousuf Memon

Soil and Environmental Sciences Division, Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), Tando Jam, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Extensive variations exist among crop species and even genotypes within species for their nutritional requirements. Therefore, formulating genotype-specific fertilizer recommendations is pivotal to achieve higher yields per unit area and sustain agricultural productivity. Field experiments were conducted at the Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), Tando Jam during two consecutive years (Rabi 2013-14 and 2014-15) in order to exploit the yield potential of wheat genotype NIA-MB-2 under different nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) regimes. The analysis of pooled data for both years revealed that the maximum plant height and straw yield were obtained in the treatment where N-P2O5 was applied at the rate of 150-110 kg/ha. The maximum spike length, no. of grains per spike, 100-grain weight, and grain yield was achieved in plots receiving 120 kg N and 90 kg P2O5/ha. The highest total N and P uptake were recorded in treatment having 150-110 kg N-P2O5/ha, which were statistically identical with that obtained at 120 kg N and 90 kg P2O5/ha. Moreover, apparent recovery efficiency (ARE), agronomic efficiency (AE) and physiological efficiency (PE) of both nutrients were markedly affected under various N and P combinations. The economic analysis further revealed that maximum net income (USD 993/ha) and profit (USD 798/ha) was accrued when 120 kg N along with 90 kg P2O5 was applied per hectare. Hence, it may be concluded that N-P2O5 @ 120-90 kg/ha combined in 4:3 ratio can be the most balanced dose for the maximum economic harvest of wheat genotype NIA-MB-2.