Evaluation of Crop Establishment Methods and Nitrogen Management Strategies for Improving Growth Attributes of Wheat

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2022–23 and 2023–24 at Integral
University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, to study the effect of crop establishment methods and nitrogen
management on the growth attributes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was laid out
in a split-plot design with three replications. The main-plot treatments included three crop
establishment methods: conventional tillage, zero tillage, and raised-bed planting. The subplot
treatments included five nitrogen management practices: control, 100% recommended dose of
nitrogen (RDN), 75% RDN + 25% nitrogen through nano urea, 50% RDN + 50% nitrogen through
nano urea and 25% RDN + 75% nitrogen through nano urea. The wheat variety DBW-187 was sown
on 20 November 2022 and 22 November 2023. Growth observations such as plant height and leaf
area index were recorded at different crop stages. The results showed that raised-bed planting
produced better growth than conventional tillage and zero tillage. Among nitrogen treatments, 75%
RDN + 25% nitrogen through nano urea recorded the highest plant height and leaf area index in both
years. The control treatment showed the lowest growth due to nitrogen deficiency. The study
concluded that raised-bed planting, along with 75% RDN + 25% nitrogen through nano urea, may be
a better practice for improving wheat growth under the Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh.