RESPONSE OF WHEAT (TRITICUM-AESTIVUM) TO PLANTING METHOD, SEED RATE AND FERTILITY IN LATE-SOWN CONDITION

A field experiment was conducted during the winter reasons of 1989-90 and 1990-91 to study the response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) to planting method, seed rate and fertilizer. Cross-row (22.5 cm x 22.5 cm) planting method gave significantly higher yields (grain + straw), yield attributes and benefit : cost ratio than other planting methods. Cross and close row (15.0 cm) plantings had smothering effect on weed density and dry weight. Increasing seed rate from 100 to 150 kg/ha increased the grain and straw yields, however benefit : cost ratio was the highest with 125 kg seed/ha seed rate. Application of recommended fertilizers (125 kg N + 60 kg P + 50 K kg/ha) increased the yield and yield attributes. However, benefit: cost ratio was highest with 50% of the recommended fertilizer (60 kg N + 30 kg P +25 kg K/ha).