Evaluating Optimum Limited Irrigation and Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies for Wheat Growth, Yield and Quality

Agricultural productivity is significantly influenced by the restricted availability of irrigation water and poor soil health. To assess the influence of different potential soil moisture deficit (PSMD) regimes and integrated nutrient levels on the growth, yield, and quality of wheat, an experiment was carried out at the research area of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The experiment includes three levels of PSMD (I-1: 25 mm PSMD, I-2: 50 mm PSMD, and I-3: 75 mm PSMD) and four integrated nutrition levels (N-1: 50% organic manure + 50% Inorganic NPK, N-2: 75% organic manure + 25% inorganic NPK, N-3: 100% application of organic manure, and N-4: 100% application of inorganic NPK). Results of the experiment revealed that maximum grain yield (4.78 t ha(-1)) was obtained as a result of irrigation at 50 mm PSMD with the combined use of organic and inorganic sources in equal proportions. In contrast, the minimum yield was observed at I-3: 75 mm PSMD with 100% application of organic manure. The highest plant height (99.11 cm), fertile tillers (284.4), 1000-grain weight (44.48 g), biological yield (14.82 t ha(-1)), radiation use efficiency for grain yield (RUEGY) (5.71 g MJ(-1)), and radiation use efficiency for total dry matter (RUETDM) (2.15 g MJ(-1)) were observed under N-1: 50% organic manure with 50% inorganic NPK treatment. The highest value of these parameters was also observed in I-2 (50 mm PSMD). The results of this study can be extended to arid and semi-arid regions, where deficit irrigation is a key strategy to address water crises and to meet sustainable development goals.