INFLUENCE OF ZINC SULPHATE LEVELS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND YIELD OF WHEAT
Keywords:
Zinc, Wheat yield, Micronutrient deficiency, Arid agriculture, Grain quality, Soil fertility managementAbstract
Zinc deficiency is a major constraint on wheat productivity, especially in arid regions, where the optimal zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) application rate is not well established. This study investigated the impact of different ZnSO₄ levels on the growth and yield of the wheat variety Azric at the Experimental Research Site, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, during 2022–2023. The experiment included six treatments, each replicated three times. Key agronomic traits measured were plant height, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, and straw yield.
Results showed that applying ZnSO₄ at 12 kg ha⁻¹ (T₆) significantly enhanced all measured growth and yield parameters compared to the control. Increases observed included 6.93% in plant height, 24.2% in spike length, 18.42% in spikelets per spike, 18.61% in grains per spike, 25.58% in 1000-grain weight, 60.25% in grain yield, and 9.96% in straw yield. These findings indicate that 12 kg ha⁻¹ of ZnSO₄ is the most effective rate for maximizing wheat productivity under arid conditions. Proper zinc fertilization not only boosts yield and grain quality but also enhances soil fertility, contributing to improved food security and human health.
