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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp2 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Optimising wheat yield and water use efficiency through strategic irrigation scheduling and zinc biofortification

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.13360
Submitted
25 December 2025
Published
09-06-2026

Abstract

Global wheat production faces dual challenges of water scarcity and micronutrient deficiencies, necessitating sustainable intensification strategies. This study investigates the synergistic effects of optimised irrigation scheduling and zinc (Zn) biofortification on wheat growth, productivity and nutritional quality. A field investigation was executed at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar during the winter season of 2023–24 under 3 levels of irrigation, viz. irrigation at crown root initiation (CRI), CRI + booting stage and CRI + booting + milking stage and 4 levels of Zn management, viz. control, 2.5 kg, 5.0 kg Zn/ha (basal) and two foliar spray of ZnSO4. Irrigation scheduling at CRI + booting + milking stage significantly increased the yield attributing characteristics and attained highest grain yield of 3812.6 kg/ha and straw yield of 5370.7 kg/ha. Maximum protein content (9.85 %) was observed when irrigated 3 times (CRI + booting + milking stage). However, water use efficiency and water productivity were significantly highest at irrigation scheduling at the CRI stage. Basal application of 5.0 kg Zn/ha enhanced the grain yield by 23.1 % as compared to control (no Zn). Therefore, irrigation scheduling at CRI + booting + milking stage coupled with basal application of 5.0 kg Zn/ha enhanced wheat productivity by improving water use and nutrient uptake.

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