Impact of neem coated urea on phenological development and yield of wheat

Abstract

In order to study the effects of different nitrogen levels and sources on wheat phenology and productivity, an experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2017-18 at Agronomy Research Area of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four nitrogen sources [Ordinary Urea (½ Basal and ½ at first irrigation), Ordinary Urea (½ Basal + ¼ first irrigation + ¼ heading), Neem Coated Urea (½ Basal + ½ first irrigation) and Neem Coated Urea (½ Basal + ¼ first irrigation + ¼ heading)] in main plots and four nitrogen levels (80%, 90%, 100% and 110% RDN) in sub plots replicated thrice. The experimental site is situated in the sub tropical region at 29º 10´ N latitude and 75º 46´ E longitude with an elevation of 215.2 meter above mean sea level in Haryana State of India.Overall results depicted that application of neem coated urea produced significantly higher yield attributing characters (except test weight) and grain yield of wheat as compared to ordinary urea. However the difference in two and three split application of neem coated urea is not significant. Application of 110 % RDN in wheat resulted in significantly higher growth, yield attributers and yield of wheat than rest two N levels. Days taken to all the phenological stages (except emergence) of wheat were significantly higher with the application of neem coated urea (2-split and 3 split). Days taken to booting, anthesis, milk and dough stage of wheat were significantly less with the application of 80% RDN as compared to 90,100 and 110 % RDN.