Long term effect of STCR-based targeted yield application of fertilizers on productivity, profitability and nutrient uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in an acid Alfisol

The present investigation was conducted during therabi season of 2017-18 at the research farm of CSK HPKV, Palampur (Himachal Pradesh). The effect of target yield based fertilizer application on productivity, profitability, and nutrient uptake by wheat were evaluated in a randomized block design with eight treatments. The results revealed that the continuous cropping for 10 years along with STCR based fertilizer application in target yield 35 q ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1 recorded the highest grain yield (34.9 q ha-1) followed by target 35 q ha-1 (31.6 q ha-1).The highest protein content (12.6 %) and protein yield (441.4 Kg ha-1) of wheat grains were observed with target yield of 35 q ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1. Further, the maximum net profit of Rs.61401 ha-1 with a B: C ratio of 3.29 was obtained under target yield 35 q ha-1. A significant increase in N, P, and K uptake by wheat grain and straw was observed in STCR based target yield plots as compared to soil test based, general recommended dose, farmers’ practice, and control. The available N, P, and K content in post-harvest soil were reduced in the control over their initial values. The higher values of available N (305 kg ha-1), P (70 Kg ha-1) and K (290 kg ha-1) were recorded with target yield of 35 q ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1.