Role of Nitrogen Fertilizer in Enrichment of Wheat Grains with Zinc and Iron through Ferti fortification

Abstract

The present investigation entitled Role of Nitrogen Fertilizer in Enrichment of Wheat Grains with Zinc and Iron through Ferti- fortification was carried out at the Crop Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, (U.P.) during Rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23. Twelve treatments viz. Control, No nitrogen + soil zinc (5 kg ha-1), No nitrogen + foliar iron (0.5%), No nitrogen + foliar zinc (0.5 %), No nitrogen + soil zinc (5 kg ha-1), + foliar zinc (0.5%), Recommended nitrogen, Recommended nitrogen + soil zinc (5 kg ha-1), Recommended nitrogen + foliar zinc (0.5%), Recommended nitrogen + foliar iron (0.5%), Recommended nitrogen + foliar iron (1.0%), Recommended nitrogen + soil zinc (5 kg ha-1), + foliar iron (0.5%) and Recommended nitrogen + foliar zinc (0.5%) + foliar iron (0.5%) were tested in randomized block design with three replications. The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam in texture with low in organic matter and available nitrogen and medium in available phosphorus, potassium, zinc and iron with alkaline in reaction. newlineThe maximum values of growth and yield attributes viz. plant height, number of tillers, dry matter accumulation, effective tillers, spike length, grains spike-1 and test weight was recorded with the application of recommended nitrogen + foliar zinc (0.5%) + foliar iron (0.5 %) than rest of treatments. Similarly, maximum grain and straw yield, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc uptake in grain and straw was noticed in recommended nitrogen + foliar zinc (0.5%) + foliar iron (0.5%). The maximum available soil N, P, K, Zn and Fe was recorded under recommended nitrogen + foliar zinc (0.5%) + foliar iron (0.5%). Highest gross and net return and benefit cost ratio was observed with recommended nitrogen + foliar zinc (0.5%) + foliar iron (0.5%) during both the years. newlineThus, it may be concluded that application of 150 kg nitrogen with 5 kg Zn in soil or foliar spray of Zn (0.5 %) + Fe (0.5 %) is recommended for achieving higher yi