Uptake of Primary Nutrients by Dryland Wheat as Influenced by N Fertilization in Relation to Soil Type, Profile Water Storage and Rainfall

Effect of N application on the uptake of primary nutrients by dryland wheat grown on clay loam and loamy sand soils was studied for two seasons. During 1972–73, N, P and K contents in grain, as well as, straw decreased with first increments of 40 kg N/ha in both the soils, but they increased thereafter with successive increments. The nutrient content, however, increased successively with all levels of N during 1973–74, a year of low rainfall and low profile water storage. N content in grain as well as straw was also higher, while the P content was lower. During 1972–73, a year of normal rainfall and high profile water storage, water stress after dough stage resulted in lower mobility of P from straw to grain in both the soils. N and K contents were slightly higher, when half of the N was applied to soil and other to foliage. Nutrient uptake increased successively with each increment of N, but methods did not change the uptake. The nutrients content and the total uptake were higher on clay loam soil than on loamy sand soil during 1972–73.