Assessment of SWI techniques with varying nitrogen levels for improving yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2009-10 to study the assessment of SWI techniques with varying nitrogen levels for improving yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Effect of four spacings (S1 : 10 x 20 cm, S2 : 15 x 20 cm, S3 : 20 x 20 cm and S4 : 22.5 cm line sowing) was studied on three levels of nitrogen (N1 : 100 kg N/ha, N2 : 125 kg N/ha and N3 : 150 kg N/ha). The maximum growth, yield attributing characters, grain yield (4,204 kg/ha), straw yield (6,111 kg/ha), grain protein content, available soil nutrients after harvest and net returns (Rs. 35,373/ha) with CBR of 2.95 were obtained from 20 x 20 cm cross sowing technique. Different levels of nitrogen significantly influenced growth, yield attributing characters, yield, grain protein content and available soil nutrients after harvest. The highest grain yield (4,126 kg/ha), straw yield (6,135 kg/ha) and net returns of Rs. 33,791/ha with CBR 2.80 were recorded from 150 kg N/ha. The interaction effects of spacings and nitrogen levels were significant in respect of straw yield and protein content. Highest straw yield (6,765 kg/ha) was obtained at 20 x 20 cm spacing using 150 kg N/ha with net returns of Rs. 38,345/ha.