Optimising wheat yield and water use efficiency through strategic irrigation scheduling and zinc biofortification
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Global wheat production faces dual challenges of water scarcity and micronutrient deficiencies, necessitating sustainable intensification strategies. This study investigates the synergistic effects of optimised irrigation scheduling and zinc (Zn) biofortification on wheat growth, productivity and nutritional quality. A field investigation was executed at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar during the winter season of 2023–24 under 3 levels of irrigation, viz. irrigation at crown root initiation (CRI), CRI + booting stage and CRI + booting + milking stage and 4 levels of Zn management, viz. control, 2.5 kg, 5.0 kg Zn/ha (basal) and two foliar spray of ZnSO4. Irrigation scheduling at CRI + booting + milking stage significantly increased the yield attributing characteristics and attained highest grain yield of 3812.6 kg/ha and straw yield of 5370.7 kg/ha. Maximum protein content (9.85 %) was observed when irrigated 3 times (CRI + booting + milking stage). However, water use efficiency and water productivity were significantly highest at irrigation scheduling at the CRI stage. Basal application of 5.0 kg Zn/ha enhanced the grain yield by 23.1 % as compared to control (no Zn). Therefore, irrigation scheduling at CRI + booting + milking stage coupled with basal application of 5.0 kg Zn/ha enhanced wheat productivity by improving water use and nutrient uptake.
Source: Plant Science Today
DOI: 10.14719/pst.13360
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7164031746