Phosphorus and mulching effects on nutrient uptake and grain yield of wheat at different growth stages

A study was undertaken to assess the effects of different levels of P (0, 26, 52, and 78 kg ha(-1)) and various mulching materials (no mulch, Pinus longifolia, Lantana camara, and polyethylene) on nutrient uptake (N, P, and K) and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (cv. S-308) grown on an Alfisol from India for two consecutive winter seasons (1990-91 and 1991-92). The results demonstrated that the nutrient uptake and dry matter yield of wheat at tillering and flowering stages, and also the grain and straw production at maturity, were during both years of experimentation. Furthermore, the moderation in the hydrothermal regime due to mulching had a positive effect on the uptake of nutrients and productivity of wheat at all the growth stages, averaged over P levels.