Long-term effects of FYM and nitrogen application on weeds, nutrient uptake, and crop productivity of wheat in subtropical north-western India

Abstract

An ongoing long-term experiment started since 1967, were selected during rabi season of 2014–2015 at Research Farm of Department of Soil Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment consisting combination of two level of FYM (0 and 15 t/ha) and three mode of application (kharif, rabi, and both kharif and rabi) in main plots whereas, two level of nitrogen (0 and 120 kg/ha) and two weed control treatment (weed free and weedy check) in subplots was laid out in split-plot design. Based on the research investigation, it was observed that highest wheat yield and nutrient uptake by crop were significantly higher where FYM 15 t/ha was applied in both rabi and kharif season as compared to other treatments. Similarly, application of 120 kg N/ha significantly increased crop yield as compared to treatment where no nitrogen was applied. Weed density of A. arvensis and M. indicus decreased with increasing fertility level, whereas, density of C. didymus, R. dentatus, and miscellaneous weeds, total dry matter of weeds along with uptake and content of NPK in weeds increased with increasing fertility level. Gross returns, net returns and B:C were maximum under application of 15 t/ha in both rabi and kharif season along with 120 kg N/ha under weed free conditions. The combined application of FYM 15 t/ha in both rabi and kharif season along with 120 kg N/ha under weed free conditions gave significantly higher value of growth and yields of wheat and its economic returns.