Effect of different levels and sources of nitrogen on soil properties, nutrient uptake, and yield of wheat grown on saline soil

Abstract

The research aimed to study effect of different levels and sources of nitrogen on soil properties, nutrient uptake, and yield of wheat grown on saline soil. The field experiment was carried out at research farm of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Research Station, K. Digraj, Sangli, Maharashtra state, India during post monsoon season during three consecutive years 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 on different saline soil site. The experimental soil was saline calcareous having Sawargaon series of isohyperthermic family of Vertic Haplustepts. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatments and three replications. The treatments were consisting of varying doses of nitrogen viz; 100% Recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), 125% RDN, and 150% RDN kg ha-1 with combination of different N sources-urea, ammonium sulphate and calcium nitrate and absolute control. The results revealed that the application of 150% recommended dose of nitrogen through calcium nitrate to wheat recorded higher grain, straw yield of wheat and N, P, K uptake of wheat. However, the application of 150% recommended dose of nitrogen through urea recorded higher net monetary returns (Rs.27,830 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1.74). Hence application of 150% of recommended dose of nitrogen (180 kg ha-1) through urea along with recommended dose of phosphorus (60 kg ha-1) and potassium (40 kg ha-1) + 10 t FYM ha-1 to wheat for achieving higher net monetary returns is recommended in saline soils.