Nutrient uptake, growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) as affected by zinc application rates

• Published in: International journal of agriculture and biology 2009-01, Vol.11 (4), p.389-396
• Main Authors: Abbas, G. (Adaptive Research Farm, Layyah (Pakistan)), Khan, M.Q. (Gomal Univ., Dera Ismail Khan (Pakistan). Dept. of Soil Science), Jamil, M. (Gomal Univ., Dera Ismail Khan (Pakistan). Dept. of Soil Science), Tahir, M. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Inst. of Soil and Environmental Sciences), Hussain, F. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). College of Agriculture, Dera Ghazi Khan)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: APPLICATION RATES; COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS; CROP YIELD; GROWTH; HEIGHT; MICRONUTRIENT FERTILIZERS; NUTRIENT UPTAKE; PAKISTAN; SOIL FERTILITY; SPIKES; TILLERING; TRITICUM AESTIVUM; YIELD COMPONENTS; ZINC SULPHATE
• ISSN: 1560-8530; 1814-9596

Soils of Pakistan are generally alkaline and calcareous and usually contain low amounts of available micronutrients. Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and its deficiency is common in cultivated soils of Pakistan. A field experiment was conducted for two years, at Government Adaptive Research Farm Karor Lal Eason, District Layyah, to study the effect of added zinc on growth and yield parameters, zinc uptake, soil zinc status and also the effect of added zinc in soil. Wheat variety Bhakkar-2002 was sown during Rabi season, 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 with recommended inputs. The recommended doses of N, P and K were applied @ 150: 100: 60 kg N: P2O5: K2O per ha in all treatments. Zn was applied @, 4, 8.12 and 16 kg per ha as zinc sulphate at the time of sowing in the all treatments except control (recommended NPK). Combined Zn and NPK application significantly improved growth and yield parameters of wheat. Application of Zn inc reased its total uptake by wheat crop and also resulted in a built-up of Zn in the upper 15 cm layer to be available for next crop. Increasing the dose of Zn showed a little increase in the uptake of Manganese (Mn). The uptake of iron (Fe) increased by applying Zn upto 8 kg per ha, while high Zn doses resulted in reduced Fe uptake. Applying Zn upto 12 kg Zn per ha increased net return, however value cost ratio (VCR) decreased by increasing Zn doses beyond 4 kg Zn per ha.