Abstract:
Influence of nitrogen rates on the performance of Wheat varieties were investigated to determine
the effects of nitrogen rates on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in the study area.
The experiments were laid out in split plot design with seven nitrogen rates. The treatments were
replicated three times. The sub plot size was 3 m x 2 m. The crop was planted in the middle of
November, at the beginning of the dry season. Half of each nitrogen rate was applied at sowing
and the other half splited into two and top dressed at early tilling and flowering stage. Data were
collected on number of tillers, Plant height, number of spikelets spike-1, number of grains spike1, weight of 1000 grain, biomass yield, grain yield and harvest index. All the data collected were
subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Difference (LSD) using
Genstat version 4.0. The results revealed that nitrogen fertilization had significant effect
(P<0.05) on wheat yield and yield components. Number of tillers was highest at 180 kg N ha-1
and variety Linfen. Similarly, Plant height was best at 180 kg N ha-1 and variety Reyna-28 while
number of spikelets spike-1 was highest at 150 kg N ha-1 and variety Reyna-28 which was at par
with Linfen. All the yield characters and final grain yield performed best at 120 kg N ha-1 and
Reyna-28. These results indicate that, Nitrogen rate of 120 kg N ha-1 and Reyna-28 proved to be
the best rate and variety for higher grain yield. Thus it is recommended that 120 kg N ha-1 and
Reyna-28 be used for irrigated wheat production in the study area.
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