Wheat Growth and Performance Under Nutrient Management in Iraq

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

2 Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

3 Department of Soil Sciences and Water Resources, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq

Abstract

This research considers the influence of potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) fertilization on the growth and yield parameters of two wheat varieties, IBA 99 and BUHOTH 22, under a field experiment carried out at Al-Zubair/Alluhais in Basrah, Iraq. The randomized experiment included complete block designs, K, Zn, K and Zn, and control groups. Significant growth parameters such as height of plants, number of leaves, number of branches, number of spikes, seed weight, and total yield per hectare were captured. The results showed that the most abundant seed yield (5.258 tons/hectare) was obtained with the combined treatment of 8 kg K/hectare and 8 g Zn/hectare for IBA 99, compared to the control group, which yielded only 4.18 tons/hectare. The average value of plant height increased sharply to 126.33 cm with Zn treatment, while K treatment achieved an average of 36.20 grams of seed weight per 1000 grains. BUHOTH 22 was also noted for yielding 5.245 tons per hectare, with total plant height reaching 114 cm. This research illustrates the necessity of the balanced management of nutrients, especially with Zn, for increasing wheat production. The results are pertinent to farmers and agronomists because they show how proper management of K and Zn can yield better quality wheat and improve food security relative to the growing challenges in agriculture. Further research should investigate these treatments’ long-term impacts and their relationships with different nutrients under various environmental settings.

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References

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