Effect of Nitrogen Levels and Zinc Fertilizer Scheduling on Economic of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Production in Varanasi District of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

A field investigation was carried out during winter (Rabi) season of 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 on sandy clay loam at Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (25º 18’ N and 83º 03’ E) to evaluate the effect of nitrogen levels and zinc fertilization on economic of wheat production in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was established using four levels of nitrogen (0, 90, 120 and 150 kg ha-1) and four zinc fertilizer scheduling (Control, 5 kg Zn ha-1 basal + 0.5% spray at ear head initiation stage, 5 kg Zn ha-1 basal + 0.5% spray at flowering stage and 5 kg Zn ha-1 basal + 0.5% spray at milking stage) in randomized block design and replicated thrice. Results from experimental findings revealed that considerably maximum yields (grain and straw), gross returns, net returns and benefit cost ratio was obtained with individual application of 150 kg N ha-1 and 5 kg Zn ha-1 + 0.5% ZnSO4 spray at ear head initiation stage during both years of investigations. However, nitrogen and zinc fertilization interact significantly and maximum gross returns (INR. 100747.61 ha-1) and net returns (INR. 68346.86 ha-1) only during 2012-2013 and benefit cost ratio (2.11 and 2.67) during both years were recorded with N150×Zn1 treatment. Based on experimentation it may be recommended that separately application of 150 kg N ha-1 and 5 kg Zn ha-1 + 0.5% ZnSO4 spray at ear head initiation stage and combined N3×Zn1 treatment was most effective for higher net returns and benefit cost ratio from wheat in Varanasi region of Uttar Pradesh.