Influence of seed rate and foliar nitrogen on productivity and profitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in green manure basmati rice (Oryza sativa) wheat cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2021–22 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to study the effect of varied seed rate and 3% foliar nitrogen application at different stages on productivity and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) green manure basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) (T) wheat cropping. The treatments consisted of T1 recommended seed rate (100 kg/ha) with 3% foliar N application at 21 25 days after sowing (DAS), T2 (45–50 DAS) and T3 (60 65 DAS); T4 (10% reduced seed rate (90 kg/ha) with 3% foliar N application at 21 25 DAS), T5 (45 50 DAS) and T6 (60–65 DAS); T7 (20% reduced seed rate (80 kg/ha) with 3% foliar N application at 21 25 DAS), T8 (45–50 DAS), T9 (60–65 DAS) and T10 (control). The treatments were laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications. Significantly higher number of tillers (390.3 grains/pike (39.3), longer spike length (11.9 cm) were obtained from treatment T9 . Similarly, higher grain yield (5.41 t/ha), net returns (99,760/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.33) were recorded with treatment (T9 ). Thus 20% reduced seed rate (80 kg/ha) with 3% foliar nitrogen application at 60 65 DAS claimed better management practices in achieving higher yield, yield attributes and net returns.