Abstract:
Foliar nitrogen (N)
application is considered an important factor
affecting phenology, growth, yield, and
yield components of dryland wheat
(Triticum aestivum L.). A field experiment
was conducted to study effects of foliar N
on dryland wheat (cv. Prisabk-2004) at the
Agronomy Research Farm, The University
of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan, during
winter 2010-2011. The experiment was
laid out in randomized complete block
design using four replications. A plot size
of 3 m by 4 m, having 8 rows, 4 m long and
30 cm apart was used. A total of 80 kg N ha-1
in the form of urea was applied. Out of 80
kg N ha-1, 70 kg N ha-1 was applied to the
soil at sowing time, and the remaining 10 kg
N ha-1 was applied in the form of foliar
spray (2% N). The required foliar N was
applied in various combinations (splits) at
different growth stages viz. 30, 60, 90 and
120 days after emergence (DAE).
Phenological development (days to anthesis
and physiological maturity) was delayed,
yield components and yield increased
significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with foliar N over
control (water spray without N). Wheat
grain yield increased to the highest level
(4427 kg ha-1) when 100 % foliar N was
applied (no split) at 90 DAE, followed by
4050 kg ha-1 at 120 DAE, while the control
(no foliar N) resulted in the lowest grain
yield (2573 kg ha-1). We concluded from
this study that 2 % foliar N application in a
single split either at 90 or 120 DAE could
improve wheat productivity under dryland
condition.
