Optimizing nitrogen and sulphur fertilization for improved wheat productivity

A field experiment entitled “Optimizing Nitrogen and Sulphur Fertilization for improved Wheat Productivity” was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments replicated three times. Results indicated that the combined application of nitrogen and sulphur significantly improved wheat growth, yield components, and biomass. The highest grain and straw yield were recorded under 150 kg N/ha + 40 kg S/ha (T9). Harvest index was less affected, suggesting that nutrient management primarily enhanced total biomass rather than its partitioning. However, high temperatures above 30 °C during reproductive and grain filling stages adversely affected productivity. The study concludes that optimum nitrogen and sulphur application, coupled with climate-resilient management practices, is essential to achieve sustainable wheat yields under the agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj.