Impact of Basal and Foliar Spray of Nitrogen on Wheat Crop and Its Effects on Nutritional Quality

Abstract

Nitrogen deficiency is a widespread problem in wheat crops in Pakistan, primarily due to factors such as insufficient soil fertility, improper fertilizer application, and limited availability of high-quality inputs. As wheat is a crucial staple crop in Pakistan and a vital source of nutrients and energy for millions of people, the impact of nitrogen deficiency on wheat crops is substantial. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of foliar application of nitrogen on the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of Triple Dwarf (TD-1) wheat variety. Different doses of basal and foliar nitrogen concentrations were applied to the wheat plants. Experiment Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed a noteworthy distinction (P<0.05) for all yield and growth characteristics appropriate to treatments. The experimental treatments included T1 (non-treated plots), T2 (1.0% of foliar applied nitrogen), T3 (Recommended dose of nitrogen (168kg ha^-1), and T4 (recommended dose (168kg ha^-1) + 1.0% foliar nitrogen) at the booting growth stage. The results of the study indicated that the recommended dose of nitrogen combined with foliar application significantly influenced wheat growth and nutritional quality. Moreover, the findings suggested that timely foliar sprays during appropriate growth stages can maximize crop yield and improve nutritional quality in the field. Overall, this research highlights the importance of addressing nitrogen deficiency in wheat crops through optimized nutrient management practices, such as appropriate fertilizer application and timely foliar sprays, to enhance crop productivity and nutritional value.