Effect of Various Levels of Phosphorus and Plant Spacing on the Growth and Yield of Black Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

The study examined the effects of different phosphorus levels and plant spacing on the growth, yield, and economic viability of black wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a variety known for its nutritional benefits. The experiment was conducted during the 2023–24 rabi season at the Crop Research Farm of Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University in Dehradun, India. A factorial randomized block design with three replications was employed. Four phosphorus levels (40, 50, 60, and 70 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) were applied as diammonium phosphate (DAP) at planting, in combination with three plant spacings (15 cm x 10 cm, 20 cm x 10 cm, and 25 cm x 10 cm).The results showed that 70 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ significantly improved growth parameters, yield attributes, and nitrogen uptake, while the optimal plant spacing of 25 cm x 10 cm further enhanced these outcomes. The highest grain and straw yields were obtained with 70 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, though 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ provided similar yields with greater cost-effectiveness. Economic analysis indicated that the combination of 70 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ and optimal spacing (25 cm X 10 cm) resulted in the highest net returns. These findings suggest that strategic phosphorus application, combined with appropriate plant spacing, can improve both the productivity and profitability of black wheat cultivation, offering a sustainable approach to agriculture.