Asian Research Thesis Index

Abstract

CERES-Wheat model was used to study the simulations of development, growth and yield of wheat at different sowing dates, nitrogen rate and irrigation levels recorded at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 2010-11 and 2011-12. Experiment-I comprised of three levels of fertilizer (80, 120 and 160 kg N ha-1) in main plot and six different levels of irrigation at critical stages in sub-plots (Irrigation at Tillering, Stem Elongation, Booting and Grain Formation; Irrigation at Stem Elongation, Booting and Grain Formation; Irrigation at Tillering, Stem Elongation and Grain Formation; Irrigation at Tillering, Stem Elongation and Booting; Irrigation at Tillering and Stem Elongation, and Irrigation at Stem Elongation and Booting). Experiment-II comprised of two sowing dates (15th November and 15th December) in main plots and four irrigation levels at different levels of potential soil moisture deficit (Full Irrigation, 45mm, 60mm and 75mm PSMD) in sub plots. Experiment was conducted in RCBD with split plot arrangement, having 20 cm row spacing, 125 kg ha-1 seed rate, Sahar-2006 test cultivar and replicated thrice. Results showed that Full irrigation and 120 kg nitrogen ha-1 produced maximum yield. Net profit and benefit cost ratio was maximum in Full irrigation and 160 kg nitrogen ha-1. Irrigation at 45 mm PSMD sown at 15th November produced maximum grain yield. Climate change scenarios showed reduction in wheat yield from 8.45 to 14.55% and 19.03 to 22.55% in mid and end century. Adaptation strategy for climate change and water shortage by 20% for mid-century is 22nd November sowing date and 20% increase in seed rate.

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