Author(s): Rajeev Kumar, Pradeep Kumar, AK Jain, Akhilesh Kumar Singh and Shaheen Naz

Abstract: A field experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Research Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology in Kumarganj, Faizabad (U.P.) over the rabi seasons of 2012-13 and 2013-14. The primary objective was to determine the most suitable wheat variety in conjunction with specific moisture regimes and nutrient supply systems. The experiment comprised 18 treatment combinations involving three wheat varieties (NW-2036, PBW-373, and HUW-234), two moisture regimes (irrigation at 0.8 and 1.0 IW/CPE ratio), and three nutrient supply systems (100% RDF through chemical fertilizers, 50% RDN + 50% N through FYM, and 50% RDN + 50% N through neem cake). The Split Plot Design (SPD) with three replications was employed on silt loam soil characterized by low organic carbon, medium phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and available nitrogen, and high pH. The recorded rainfall during the crop seasons of 2012-13 and 2013-14 was 85.6 mm and 56.2 mm, respectively. The crop was sown on December 20 and 21 in the first and second years, respectively, with a seed rate of 125 kg/ha and row spacing of 20.0 cm. Harvesting took place on May 4 and 5 in 2013 and 2014, respectively. In conclusion, the treatment combination of wheat variety PBW-373, moisture regime 1.0 IW/CPE, and nutrient level of 150:60:40 NPK kg ha^-1 (RDF100%) demonstrated significant superiority in terms of grain yield, straw yield, and economic returns compared to other treatment combinations in both years.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i1Sg.367