WHEAT CULTIVATION IN INDIA

Nutrients management in wheat:

NITROGEN:
On an exhausted mineral soil dwarf wheat and tall wheat shows appreciable response upto 120 and 60 kg N per hectare respectively, irrespective of soil type and agro-climatic zone.

Nitrogen applied in 2 split dose, half at sowing and half at first irrigation (Crown Root Initiation Stage) is very efficient and convenient under alll situtions. Recent study reveals that N application 1/3rd at sowing and 2/3 at first node stage gives maximum production.

PHOSPHORUS:
In wheat crop phosphorus imarts a great influence on growth and development. Application of 40-60 kg P2O5 per hectare is recommended at the time of sowing, depending on the initial soil value.

POTASH AND ZINC:
Most of the soils in India are rich in potash content and quantity of zinc required by wheat is very small. Therefore application of potash and zinc is recommended only if soil tests reveal K and Zn deficency. Under such situation potash at the rate of 40-60 kg K2O per hectare and zinc sulphate at the rate of 25-35 kg per hectare is suggested. Both these nutrients should be placed at the time of sowing.