The effect of potassium fertilizer and planting dates on growth, yield, and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2021-2022 in one of the farmers' fields in the village of Al-Budayab, affiliated Ramadi city . The study aimed to investigate the effect of potassium fertilizer levels (120, 160, and 200) kg K ha1- and planting dates (November 15th, December 1st, December 15th) on the growth, yield, and quality characteristics of wheat . The experiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among the levels of potassium fertilizer, with the 200 kg K ha-1 level superior to other levels in plant height 94.25 cm, leaf area 48.16 cm², number of spikes per square meter 285.60 m-², number of grains per spike 65.50 grains, 1000-grain weight 34.10 g and grain yield 6.40 ton ha-1 . Additionally, the planting dates showed significant differences, where 15th of December record a significant yield significantly higher results for the above-mentioned characteristics, measuring plant height 82.30 cm, leaf area 43.31 cm², number of spikes per square meter 270.94 m-², number of grains per spike 58.94 grains, 1000-grain weight 32.64 g and 5.36 tons. The interaction between the level of potassium fertilizer and planting dates also had a significant effect on grain yield, as the 200 kg K ha-1 level combined with the December 15th planting date resulted in the highest grain yield of 7.30 tons ha-1. Regarding the grains protein content in, the 120 kg K ha-1level recorded the highest percentage of 12.57%, and the November 15th yielded the highest percentage of 12.12% compared to the other planting dates.