Effect of P and Zn application by fertigation on P use efficiency and yield of wheat

Abstract

Balanced application of fertilizer at appropriate time by proper method is important to improve P uptake efficiency in wheat. Due to widespread deficiency of Zn in Pakistan soil, Zn was applied along with P by fertigatiom to determine its effect, in comparison with other methods of P application, on P use efficiency and yield of wheat. Application of P and Zn by fertigation at first irrigation increased grain yield of Pak-81 wheat compared to other methods offP application in a pot experiment. Concentration of Zn an seeds also increased significantly due to Zn application along with N and W+P. Under field conditions, Zn application by fertigation increased grain yield by 9% and improved agronomic efficiency,? fertilizer efficiency and the physiological nutrient efficiency by 35,20 and 12% respectively over N and P applied by the same methods.