Precision nitrogen management strategies and high yielding genotypes for enhanced growth, yield, economics, and nitrogen use efficiency in wheat

Current agricultural production systems face challenges of poor economic returns, soil fatigue and negative environmental outcomes from excess use of nitrogenous fertilizers, especially in wheat production under middle gangetic plains. To overcome these challenges, the current study was conducted to optimize nitrogen management in different wheat genotypes with precision nitrogen management tools and approaches. The field experiment was laid out in split-plot design, with three genotypes assigned to the main plot and six nitrogen management practices to the sub-plot. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture, with low levels of organic carbon and available nitrogen, and medium levels of available phosphorus and potassium. Results revealed that the HD-2967 genotype outperformed others in terms of growth, grain yield (4.7 and 4.81 t ha-1), gross return (1417.41 and 1505.48 US$ ha-1), net return (953.43 and 1019.76 US$ ha-1), and B-C ratio (2.04 and 2.08) in 2015-16 and 2016-17, respectively. Among the nitrogen management practices, application of 150 kg N ha-1 in three equal splits demonstrated improved crop growth, grain yield (4.7 and 4.81 t ha-1), and economic returns (gross return, 1500.40 and 1607.65 US$ ha-1, net return, 1025.40 and 1110.38 US$ ha-1 and B: C ratio, 2.17 and 2.23) in 2015-16 and 2016-17, respectively. However, it resulted in higher nitrogen losses. Green seeker guided N application significantly reduced apparent nitrogen losses compared to all other nitrogen applied treatments. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing wheat production by selecting appropriate genotypes and implementing precision nitrogen management techniques to enhance yield, profitability, and environmental sustainability.