Productivity and profitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum) as influenced by weed and nitrogen management under semi-arid conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 201617 and 201718 at Agronomy re- search farm, Jobner, Rajasthan, to assess the effect of weed-management practices and nitrogen fertilization on productivity and profitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Pooled results indicated that, 2 hand-weeding treat- ment (HW)25 and 45 days after sowing (DAS)was the most superior treatment in reducing the weed dry matter and weed count, and significantly improved the growth and yield-attributing characters of wheat and net returns. This treatment was closely accompanied by mesosulfuron 3% + iodosulfuron 0.6% @ 14.4 g/ha. Among weed- management practices, the highest grain and straw yields (4.65 t/ha and 5.72 t/ha) were obtained with 2 hand- weeding treatment. However, post-emergence application of mesosulfuron 3% + iodosulfuron 0.6% @ 14.4 g/ha was the most superior and equally effective herbicidal treatment (4.46 t/ha and 5.24 t/ha). Nitrogen fertilization at 90 kg/ha significantly improved the growth and yield attributes as well as yield of wheat over preceding levels. However, it remained at par with 135 kg N/ha.