Effect of foliar application of phosphorus and potassium on yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment entitled “Effect of foliar application of phosphorus and potassium on yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)” was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Dhadesugur, during the rabi season of 2024. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar application of phosphorus and potassium using Potassium Salt of Active Phosphorus (PSAP, KH₂PO₃) and Mono Potassium Phosphate (MKP, KH₂PO₄) on the yield and economics of wheat. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eight treatments replicated thrice. Results revealed that treatment T₃ (100% Recommended Package of Practices + foliar spray of MKP @ 5 g l^-1 at 30 and 60 DAS) recorded significantly higher grain yield (3894 kg ha^-1), straw yield (4986 kg ha^-1) and harvest index (0.44). The same treatment also registered higher economic returns with gross returns of ₹ 1,60,128 ha^-1, net returns of ₹ 1,06,398 ha^-1, and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.98 and was statistically on par with treatment T₂ (100% Recommended Package of Practices + foliar spray of PSAP @ 5 g l^-1 at 30 and 60 DAS). The lower yield and economic performance were recorded in treatment T₈ (absolute control). Overall, the study concluded that foliar application of MKP @ 5 g l^-1 at 30 and 60 DAS, along with the recommended package of practices significantly enhanced the yield and profitability of wheat.