Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization, Sowing Methods and Sowing Dates on Yield and Yield Attributes of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L)

Abstract

A field experiments were conducted at the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology at Shambat, Khartoum, during winter season in 07/2008 and 08/2009, to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilization, sowing methods and sowing dates on yield and yield attributes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), local variety (Wadi Elneel). Nitrogen fertilizer was applied in the form of urea at the rate of 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N/ha. Four sowing methods viz. planting on flat, mastaba, ridge and ridge with line were tested. Three sowing dates namely; early November, mid November and early December were chosen and applied. The results of the study showed that nitrogen application displayed significant effect on plant height, total dry matter, 1000-seed weight and grain yield in both seasons but nitrogen fertilizer had no significant effect on harvest index for season 08/2009. Generally , planting on ridge and ridge with line achieved higher 1000-seed weight and grain yield for both seasons. Harvest index was superior for season 07/2008, whereas plant height and total dry matter had higher values for season 08/2009. Generally, crop sown at mid November produced higher grain yield, total dry matter and tallest plant for season 07/2008. Also higher plant height and harvest index were recorded for season 08/2009. The early sown (early November) obtained greater 1000-seed weight and harvest index for season 07/2008 and higher amount of 1000-seed weight and total dry matter for season 08/2009. The late sown (early December) produced higher grain yield for season 08/2009. It can be concluded neglecting the differences between the two seasons for yield and their components that Wheat can be grown at early and mid November on ridge and ridge with line with 120 kgN/ha fertilizer.