EFFECT OF CROPPING PATTERNS, FARM YARD MANURE, K AND ZN OF WHEAT GROWTH AND GRAIN YIELD

Field trials were conducted during 2001-02 and 2002-03 to investigate the effect of cropping patterns along with farm yard manure, potassium and zinc on the grain yield of wheat. The experiments were carried out at the Agricultural Research Farm, Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan. Two factors (cropping patterns and manures/fertilizers) were studied in the experiment. Randomized complete block design was used with split plot arrangements and four replications having net plot size of 12 m^2. Wheat variety Ghaznavi-98 was sown in November soon after ploughing when the soil moisture level was suitable for wheat seed germination. Five cropping patterns were allotted to main plots and the eight combinations of FYM, K and Zn to the sub-plots. Same plots were used for next year sowing. Effects of five cropping patterns (rice-wheat, maize-wheat, sunflower-wheat, sorghum-wheat pigeon peawheat) and three organic and in-organic fertilizers (Farmyard Manure, Potassium and Zinc) on subsequent wheat crop were observed. Highest grain yield was obtained when wheat was planted after pigeon pea. Manures/fertilizer application (Farmyard Manure, Potassium and Zinc) also produced significantly higher grain yield than the control plots. The findings of the present study revealed that leguminous crops can significantly increase the yield of succeeding crops and therefore, should be included in the crop rotation. In addition, the use of Farmyard Manure, and commercial fertilizers (Potassium and Zinc) should also be included in integrated crop management approaches for sustainable agriculture.