Interactive Effect Of Weedicide And Nitrogen Fertilizer Sources On The Growth And Yield Of Wheat

Abstract

Weedicides play a vital role in modern crop production by controlling weeds and improving yield potential. However, their application may cause environmental concerns and can interfere with soil–plant nutrient interactions, which may reduce nutrient availability and crop performance. Effective management of nitrogen fertilizer sources and appropriate timing of weedicide application are therefore essential to minimize these negative effects while ensuring efficient weed control. A field experiment was conducted at the Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, to evaluate the interactive effects of nitrogen fertilizer sources and weedicide application timing on the growth and yield of wheat. Two nitrogen fertilizer combinations were compared: urea + DAP & SoP and CAN + NP & SoP. The weedicide Atlantis was applied at three stages: before, with, and after nitrogen fertilizer application. Recommended doses of N-P-K (120-80-60 kg ha⁻¹) and weedicide (150 g acre⁻¹) were applied uniformly. The results indicated that weedicide application after the second dose of CAN in the CAN + NP & SoP combination produced superior results. This treatment significantly enhanced plant height, chlorophyll content, grain yield, and nutrient uptake compared to other treatments. The study concludes that proper selection of nitrogen fertilizer sources along with suitable timing of weedicide application can effectively reduce adverse impacts on crops and help achieve optimum wheat yield and quality.