Summary
This field trial compared four nitrogen fertiliser formulations (conventional urea, neem-coated urea, sulfur-coated urea, and bioactive sulfur-coated urea) applied at four nitrogen rates (94–130 kg ha⁻¹) to wheat grown under arid conditions. Bioactive sulfur-coated urea at 130 kg N ha⁻¹ produced the highest grain yield (4463 kg ha⁻¹), dry matter accumulation post-anthesis (1989 kg ha⁻¹), grain nutrient concentrations, and water use efficiency (20.92 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹), suggesting slow-release formulations, particularly bioactive variants, merit adoption in water-constrained environments.
UK applicability
The findings have limited direct applicability to UK farming, which operates under temperate, higher-rainfall conditions with different soil and climate constraints than arid regions. However, the water use efficiency gains from slow-release formulations may be relevant for UK farms seeking to reduce fertiliser runoff and improve nutrient retention.
Key measures
Dry matter accumulation (kg ha⁻¹), grain yield (kg ha⁻¹), plant height (cm), grain nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium concentrations (%), irrigation water use efficiency (kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹), crop index (%)
Outcomes reported
The study measured dry matter accumulation, grain yield, plant height, and grain nutritional quality (NPK concentrations) under different slow-release fertiliser treatments and nitrogen application rates. Water productivity and irrigation water use efficiency were also assessed.
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