Response of Wheat to Different Moisture Regimes Under Varying Fertility Levels in Loamy Sand Soil

Abstract

A field experiment consisting of three moisture regimes viz., 30, 50 and 70 per cent ASM and four fertilizer treatments viz., (i) 150+75+0, (ii) 150+75+75, (iii) 200+100+0 and (iv) 200+100+100 NPK in kg/ha was conducted for two years (1970-71 and 1971-72) on the same plot at College Agronomy Farm under Fertilizer Research Project at Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand. It was observed that at 50 and 70% ASM additional 8-75 and 14-33 quintals of grain per hectare were obtained as com-pared to 30% ASM. These two treatments gave additional monetary realization of Rs. 1008 and Rs. 1648 per hectare respectively. Net increamental cost benefit ratios (NICBR) were 1:10.08 and 1:11.39 which indicate very high return. From what has been observed so far in respect of yield as well as net realization, it can be concluded that high yielding wheat variety should be grown on irrigation to be given in such a way that the soil never dries out below 70% ASM and that the crop should be given 150 kg N and 75 kg P,0, per hectare. Application of potash is not useful under the sandy loam soils of middle Gujarat.