Effect of Various Doses and Application Method for Phosphorus Fertilizer on Wheat Under Arid Conditions

Abstract

An appropriate method and optimal dose of phosphorus (P) fertilizers is important from economic and environmental point of view and for the conservation of the world’s phosphoric reserves.  A field experiment was conducted during rabi season 2018-19 at Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Bahawalpur to determine the most efficient application method and optimum dose of phosphorus fertilizer on wheat. Three methods of P application i.e. line sowing with P as broad casted (M1), line sowing with P application as bands (M2), Ridging after P and wheat seed as broad casted (M3) were adopted at the time ofsowing. The experiment was laid out following split plot design replicated thrice. Analysis of variance depicted significant differences among various methods of sowing and P application. Maximum grain yield of 4441.9 kg ha^-1 was recorded for P @120 kg ha^-1 indicating importance of phosphorus at its highest dose in achieving maximum wheat output. Maximum fertile tillers m^-2 were obtained in plots treated with P@ 120 kg ha^-1 indicates Maximum phosphorus dose contributed in achieving highest 1000 grain weight and finally resulted in statistically significant grain yield ha^-1. These findings indicate that application of the highest dose of phosphorus contributed maximum to translocate dry matter and physiological attributes towards the yield attributes in wheat variety Mairaj 2008 and therefore maximum phosphorus dose helped in achieving highest number of grains spike^-1, 1000 grain weight and ultimately wheat yield. Results indicated that increased the number of fertile tiller, spike length, 1000 grain weight and ultimately wheat yield by using a method ridging after Phosphorus and wheat seed broad caste (M3). More field studies are required to determine interactions between P response and the effects of climate, soil properties, moisture levels and other management practices.