The Effect of Nitrogen Application Rates and Timings of First Irrigation on Wheat Growth and Yield

The release of wheat cultivars with different nutritional demands and yield potential hinders generalized recommendations for nitrogen (N) fertilization and quality of irrigation. A combination of careful irrigation and nitrogen organization is needed to improve the uptake efficiency and to minimize potential N leaching. This study was designed to investigate the effects of the different nitrogen fertilization levels and irrigation timing on the agronomic performance of wheat, at the farm of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan during 2009-2010. A randomized complete block in split plot arrangements with four replications were used. The different nitrogen doses applied to the soil were 0, 80, 100, 120 and 150 kg ha-1 while, irrigation timings were at 15, 20, 25 and 30 days after germination. Nitrogen applied at 120 and 150 kg N ha-1 while kept the irrigation timing of 25 days after germination achieved the highest plant height, more tillers number, maximum number of fertile tillers and highest yield respectively, as compared to control and other treatments. These results suggest that the irrigation timing of 25 days after germination and 120 kg N ha-1 is suitable for maximum growth and wheat yield. Moreover, the higher performance of yield components was associated with higher nitrogen fertilization levels.