INFLUENCE OF ZINC SULPHATE LEVELS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND YIELD OF WHEAT

Abstract

Zinc deficiency is a major constraint to wheat productivity, particularly in arid regions where the optimum application rate of zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) has not been clearly established. This study evaluated the effects of varying ZnSO₄ levels on the growth and yield of the wheat variety Azric at the Experimental Research Site of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, during the 2022–2023 growing season. The experiment consisted of six treatments arranged in a randomized design with three replications. Key agronomic parameters assessed included plant height, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, and straw yield.

The results demonstrated that the application of ZnSO₄ at 12 kg ha⁻¹ (T₆) significantly improved all growth and yield attributes compared to the control treatment. Notable increases were observed in plant height (6.93%), spike length (24.2%), spikelets per spike (18.42%), grains per spike (18.61%), 1000-grain weight (25.58%), grain yield (60.25%), and straw yield (9.96%). These findings suggest that a ZnSO₄ application rate of 12 kg ha⁻¹ is the most effective for maximizing wheat productivity under arid conditions. Adequate zinc fertilization not only enhances crop yield and grain quality but also improves soil fertility, thereby contributing to food security and better human nutrition.