?FERTIGATION TECHNOLOGY FOR IMPROVED PHOSPHORUS USE EFFICIENCY IN WHEAT
Keywords:
Fertigation, P uptake, P application, Wheat.Abstract
The conventional method of broadcast and incorporation of P fertilizer was compared and evaluated with "fertigation"
technology using the phosphatic source SSP and DAP at 22 and 44 kg P ha' rate of application. Grain yield and total
P uptake by Pak-Sl wheat was found to be similar irrespective of source, but rate and method of application affected
them differently. Applying P by fertigation resulted in improved P fertilizer efficiency as well as agronomic effi-
ciency compared to its broadcast application at sowing. Application of half ofP rate by fertigation produced grain yield
and total P uptake equivalent to that obtained by full P rate applied by the conventional method indicating the
possibility of substantial saving in P fertilizer input Thus for optimum yield and increased efficiency, fertigation
technology could be economically used for both P fertilizer sources.
