Impact of soil moisture-based irrigation, mulching, and nitrogen levels on wheat growth and yield in sub-tropical Jammu, India

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stands as a vital global cereal crop, providing sustenance for approximately 40% of the world's population. This study aimed to assess the influence of soil moisturebased irrigation regimes, mulching, and nitrogen levels on wheat growth, yield attributes, and grain yield during the Rabi season 2020-21 in the sub-tropical region of Jammu, India. The experiment, conducted at the Research Farm, WMRC, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, involved a split-split plot design with three replications. Three moisture depletion regimes (30% MAD, 40% MAD, and 50% MAD) constituted the main plot, mulch (No mulch and 6 tonnes/ha straw mulch) the sub-plot, and four nitrogen doses (0, 75, 100, and 125 kg/ha) the sub-sub plot. Results indicated that 40% MAD irrigation was optimal, yielding the highest grain yield (36.47 q/ha), closely followed by 50% MAD, while 30% MAD exhibited the lowest grain yield. Wheat crops with 6 tonnes/ha of mulch demonstrated superior performance, emphasizing the positive impact of mulching on grain yield. Nitrogen supplementation significantly influenced grain yield, with the application of 125 kg N/ha resulting in the highest yield. The study provides valuable insights for optimizing agricultural practices in semi-arid regions, emphasizing the critical role of strategic irrigation, mulching and nitrogen application in enhancing wheat productivity. These findings contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, addressing food security challenges in similar agro-climatic conditions.