WHEAT RESPONSE TO PHOSPHORUS UNDER CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF JUGLOTE, PAKISTAN

A field experiment was conducted during 2004-05 in KARINA research farm Juglote Gilgit, Northern Areas of Pakistan to study the effect of various phosphorus (P) levels on yield, yield components and nitrogen (N) and P uptake of wheat and to investigate a suitable combination of N and P for better wheat productivity. Experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Different levels of P i. e., control, 30, 60, 90,120 and150 kg P2O5 ha^-1 with a constant dose of N 120 kg ha^-1 were applied to the various plots. Results showed that P levels significantly affected yield and yield components of wheat as compared to control. The agronomic parameters like, root biomass, grains per spike, thousand grain weight and plant height were significantly influenced by different N and P ratios. The highest yield of grain (4304 kg ha^-1) and straw (6547 kg ha-1) were produced with 120 kg N and 150 kg P2O5 ha^-1 which were statistically identical with that of 120 kg N and 90 kg P2O5; and 120 kg N and 120 kg P2O5 ha^-1. Nitrogen and P concentrations and uptake were significantly increased with increasing P level. Interactions among fertilizer treatments for number of tillers and days to maturity were found insignificant. This study concluded that P should be applied at an appropriate level i.e., 90 kg ha^-1 to wheat crop for its maximum output in terms of biological yield under the agro-climatic conditions of Juglote, Northern Area.