Influence of organic inputs on the grain quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat grain quality is a major concern as it feed a large population of the world and it is also a chief source of nutrition in developing countries. Extensive research has been carried out to enhance its nutritional value and quality and nutrient supply is one of the most favorable procedures. The present study also focusses on improving and analysing grain quality traits through addition of organic inputs such as FYM, vermicompost and biofertilizers and was conducted at Trans-Gangetic regions (Punjab) in a loamy sand soil with medium levels of available nitrogen. The experiment consisted of different levels of FYM, vermicompost, inorganic fertilizers (to supply N) and biofertilizer inoculation and unfertilized control. Among various organic treatments, higher FYM level, FYM250+Biof had the highest GAS (5.93 and 5.63), SDS-sedimentation value (49.7 and 35.3 cc) and protein content (12.4 and 12.3%) during both the years. Significantly lower phenol reaction score was also observed with FYM250+Biof (3.3 and 4.2 for the year 2016-17 and 2017-18). Also, the micro-nutrient content (Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn) was significantly higher with organic inputs indicating wide range of nutrient supply and improved status of soil. Protein being a chief factor to influence various quality parameters had strong correlation with grain hardness (r = 0.946 and 0.961), hectolitre weight (r = 0.943 and 0.846), SDS (r = 0.979 and 0.963) and gluten. PRS, an undesirable factor, had negative correlation with all the other factors. Micronutrients, such as Cu, Fe Zn and Mn also had variable correlation with different parameters.