Effect of Various Nitrogen Sources at Various Sulfur Levels on Maize-Wheat Yield and N/S Uptake under Different Climatic Conditions

Balanced nutrition is imperative for efficient nutrient management and has a considerable role in enhancing crop yield. To study the effect of various nitrogen sources at various sulfur levels on maize-wheat yield and N/S uptake under different climatic conditions, field experiments were conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, and Research Station Buner during 2018-2019. Nitrogen was applied at 150 kg ha(-1) for maize and 120 kg ha(-1) for wheat from inorganic (urea) and organic farm yard manure (FYM) sources at ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, and sulfur levels from elemental sulfur of 0, 20, 40, and 60 kg ha(-1). The study was carried out with a randomized complete block design with two-factorial arrangement and three replicates. Results shows that maximum 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, nitrogen uptake, and sulfur uptake were recorded at 50% organic and 50% inorganic nitrogen application for maize and wheat at both locations. Results regarding sulfur levels, maximum 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, and nitrogen uptake were recorded in the treatment group receiving 20 kg S ha(-1) in Peshawar, and 40 kg S ha(-1) in Buner; however, sulfur uptake increases with increase sulfur levels. The interaction between nitrogen sources and sulfur levels was significant; maximum grain yield and uptake of nitrogen and sulfur were recorded in the treatment group receiving 150 kg N ha(-1) for maize and 120 kg N ha(-1) for wheat along with 20 kg S ha(-1) for Peshawar and 40 kg S ha(-1) for Buner. Hence, it is recommended that 150 kg N ha(-1) for maize and 120 kg N ha(-1) for wheat (50% inorganic and 50% organic) along with 20 kg S ha(-1) for Peshawar and 40 kg S ha(-1) for Buner as a source of elemental sulfur be used for optimum grain yield and N/S uptake.