Impact of zinc fertilization on growth, yield and quality of zero till wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Aim: To determine the impact of soil and foliar application of ZnSO4.7H2O at late stages of wheat as heading initiation (5% ear formation), 100% heading (complete ear formation) and heading initiation and 100% heading along with recommended dose of fertilizer on growth, yield and quality of zero till wheat. Methodology: The field experiment was conducted on zero till wheat. The treatments consisted of control (no Zn), soil application of 12.5, 25, 37.5, 50 kg ha-1 ZnSO4.7H2O and foliar application of 0.5% Zn as one spray at heading initiation (5% ear formation), one spray at 100% heading (complete ear formation) and two sprays at heading initiation and 100% heading with recommended dose of fertilizer. These treatments were evaluated in RBD with three replications. Results: Soil application of 50, 37.5 and 25 kg Zn ha-1 with two foliar sprays of 0.5% at heading initiation (5% ear formation) and 100% heading (complete ear formation) stages gave significantly higher average grain and straw yield and Zn concentration in grain than other treatments, including control. Interpretation: Enhanced application of Zn as soil and foliar application ameliorates soil Zn deficiency and increases protein content in grains, which might influence the quality and yield of zero tilled wheat. Key words: Foliar spray, Grain yield, Wheat, Zinc