The effect of applying different levels of zeolite and nitrogen on yield, yield components, and the harvest index of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Assistant Professor Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Payame Noor University, I.R. of IRAN

10.30466/asr.2026.56432.1899

Abstract

In crop production systems, increasing the availability of nitrogen in the soil is one of the most important factors affecting growth, development, and yield. Accordingly, a study was conducted to investigate the effect of applying different levels of zeolite and nitrogen on the yield, yield components, and the harvest index of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was conducted in a field-based split-plot design arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the 2021–22 cropping season in the Dezful region, located in the north of Khuzestan province. The main plots in this experiment included the application of natural zeolite at four levels (0, 4, 8, and 12 ton.ha-1), and the subplots included the application of four levels of nitrogen (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg.ha-1) from a urea fertilizer source. Comparison of the average experimental data showed that the highest number of spikes per square meter (503.3), number of spikelet per spike (15.44), number of grains per spike (31.20), 1000-grain weight (40.27 g), grain yield (5061 kg.ha-1), and biological yield (14176.8 kg.ha-1) were obtained with the treatment combination of applying 12 tons of zeolite along with 200 kg of nitrogen per hectare. Unlike the other evaluated traits, as nitrogen levels increased from 50 to 200 kg.ha-1, the harvest index decreased, so that the maximum harvest index (44.34%) was obtained in the treatment with 50 kg of nitrogen and 12 tons of zeolite per hectare. Finally, according to the test results, the application of different levels of zeolite (especially the level of 12 ton.ha-1) along with nitrogen fertilizer can be recommended as an effective mechanism for increasing nitrogen availability, improving yield components, and enhancing wheat yield.

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