COMPARATIVE RESPONSE OF TWO WHEAT VARIETIES TO BASAL AND SPLIT POTASSIUM NUTRITION UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS

Abstract

Potassium (K) is an essential plant nutrient. Several research studies are available on the basal application of K concerned with yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Conversely, very limited studies are available on the split application of K. During 2018-2019, a field experiment was performed at the Southern Wheat Research Station, Agriculture Research Institute, Tandojam, Pakistan to determine the importance of the right time for K fertilization in wheat. The experiment included 18 plots, each having an area of 12m2 (4m × 3m) involving two cultivars of winter wheat, viz. Benazir and Sindhu, sown in two-factor Randomized Complete Block Design, arranged in a split pattern (main plots = varieties, sub plots = treatments). Three K fertilization levels were tested, i.e. T1 = No K fertilization, T2 = 50 kg K2O ha-1 applied at the time of sowing, T3 = two splits of K, i.e. 25 kg K2O ha-1 applied at sowing and 25 kg K2O ha-1 applied at grain filling stage (top dressing). According to results, the yield components showed a positive enhancement upon split application of K as compared to basal application in terms of significantly higher (p