Effect of Herbicides on Weed Dynamics, Yield and Monetary Returns of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Under Different Nutrient Option

Abstract

Wheat is one of the world’s major staple food crop, consumed by 35% of the human population, contributing to almost 20% of dietary energy and protein in the diet of developing countries. Globally, wheat is the leading source of vegetarian protein in human food and has higher protein content than most of the other cereals. In India, wheat stands second next to rice in area and production. The experiment was carried out at CRC farm of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, U.P. during the Rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 to study the effect of herbicides on weed dynamics, yield, monetary returns of wheat under different nutrient option. The soil was sandy loam in texture with pH 7.6 and available, N, P and K were 230.1, 13.08 and 180.5 kg ha-1, respectively. The experiment was laid out in Factorial RBD with three replications. There were two factors i.e. first factor nutrient management with four levels viz., Control (No NPK), 100% NPK, 75% NPK + 25% N through FYM and 75% NPK + 25% N through press mud and second factor with six weed management practices viz., Control (Unweedy check), Weed free, Pyroxasulfone @127 g a.i. ha-1 as PE (Pre-emergence), Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i ha-1 as PE (Pre-emergence), Pinoxaden @ 40g a.i. ha-1 as PoE (Post-emergence) and Sulfosulfuron @ 25 g a.i. ha-1 PoE (Post-emergence). The gross and net plot size of experiment were 5.0 m x 4.5 m, 4.0 m x 3.15 m, respectively. Results indicated that growth parameters and yield parameters were significantly influenced by nutrient and weed management practices. The significantly higher value of growth, yield attributes and yield was with the application of 75% NPK + 25% N through press mud and remain at par with the application of 75% NPK + 25% N through FYM. While reduction in weed density, dry matter accumulation and nutrient uptake by weed was highest with the application of 75% NPK + 25% N through press mud and it was more economical due to higher gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio and it was closely followed by 75% NPK + 25% N through FYM. Weed control treatment gave significantly higher growth, yield attributes and yield while it was remain at par with the application of Sulfosulfuron @ 25g a.i. ha-1 PoE. Among the herbicides higher weed control efficiency and, lower weed index and nutrient uptake by weed was observed with post emergence application of Sulfosulfuron @ 25g a.i. ha-1 and also provided higher values of gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio and it was closely followed by Pendimethalin @ 1kg a.i. ha-1 PE. Therefore, the combination of 75% NPK + 25% N through press mud and Sulfosulfuron @ 25g a.i. ha-1 may be recommended for better weed control, wheat productivity, profitability and the improved soil fertility status.