Optimised nitrogen management using nano and neem coated urea for improving growth, yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

The experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2022–23 and 2023–24 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of different levels of nitrogen along with foliar applications of nano urea and neem-coated urea on growth, yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design (RBD) with 15 treatments. These treatments combined basal nitrogen levels of 0, 50, 75, 100 and 125% of recommended nitrogen doses (RDN), along with foliar application of water spray (WS), nano-urea (NU) and neem-coated urea (NCU) in each level with 3 replications. The results demonstrated that treatments with reduced basal nitrogen, specifically with nano-urea application, achieved growth and yield comparable to the higher conventional dose of RDN. Foliar application of neem-coated urea along with 75% RDN produced significantly lower yield than RDN. However, 75% RDN + NU spray yielded 4.85 t/ha, which was at par with 100% RDN + WS (5.55 t/ha). Similarly, yield from 100% RDN + NU was equivalent to that of the 125% RDN treatments, regardless of the specific foliar spray applied. Under each level of RDN (125%, 100%, 75% and 50%), foliar application of nano-urea was a bit superior to neem-coated urea, though the differences were not significant. Yield attributes were also markedly improved with higher nitrogen doses and foliar sprays. The nano-urea had slightly higher total cost of cultivation over urea foliar application. However, among the treatments, 125% RDN + NU recorded significantly higher net return (1,33,909 ₹/ha) though it was at par with RDN. This two-year study showed that moderate nitrogen doses, especially in conjunction with nano-urea foliar treatments, can substantially enhance growth, yield attributes and yield, highlighting nano-fertilisers as a promising alternative for improving soil health, nutrient availability and yield, supporting more sustainable agriculture.