Effect of Different Levels of a Compound Fertilizer On Plant Uptake and Yield of Wheat.

A field study was conducted in the northern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assess the effect of different rates of the compound 14-38-10 fertilizer on nutrients uptake and yield of irrigated wheat during two consecutive seasons. Six levels of 14-38-10 (0-700 kg/ha) were tested using a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Whole plant samples were collected 4 times to monitor N, P and K uptake. Grain yield was measured when plants reached physiological maturity. Application of 14-38-10 increased N, P and K concentrations in plants to optimum levels, particularly P. Application of 400 kg/ha or more increased grain yield significantly in the first season while the application of 300 kg/ha or more increased grain yield significantly in the second season. The best grain yield in both seasons was obtained at the rate of 500 kg/ha. Results of this study indicated that for soils testing low to medium P content, to maintain good soil K fertility, and to obtain optimum wheat yield, 300-500 kg/ha of 14-38-10 should be applied during the growing season without the need to inject any soluble P or K fertilizers through the irrigation system.