Effects of sowing methods and nutrient management on root phenology and microbial activity in soil under wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted in split plot design (SPD) with 20 treatment combinations for two years (2017-18 and 2018-19) at Agronomy research farm, Narendra Deva University of Agricultural Sciences, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh during rabi seasons. Treatments were consist of four sowing methods viz. (A1) Broadcasting method, (A2) Line sowing method, (A3) Furrow Irrigation Ridge Bed (FIRB), (A4) Criss cross sowing (20× 20 cm) and five nitrogen management treatments, viz. (B1) control, (B2) 50% N as basal + 25% N after first irrigation + 25% N after second irrigation, (B3) 50% N as basal + 50% N after first irrigation, (B4) 25% N as basal + 25% N after second irrigation + 50% through FYM as basal, (B5) 25% N as basal + 75% through FYM as basal. Results revealed that the root dry weight, root length and microbial population were recorded higher values in A3 FIRB planting system than A2 Line sowing method at all growth stages during both the years of investigation. Whereas in case of nitrogen management, root growth parameters of wheat, viz. root dry weight and root length were significantly higher with (B2) 50% N as basal + 25% N after first irrigation + 25% N after second irrigation and microbial population in soil significantly higher at various observational growth stages when crop was supplied with combined application of (B5) 25% N as basal + 75% through FYM as basal over the other treatment during both years of field study. However, in this study FIRB sowing method with (B2) 50% N as basal + 25% N after first irrigation + 25% N after second irrigation are best treatment for higher root phenology and (B5) 25% N as basal + 75% through FYM as basal for soil health.