Band placement of phosphorus improves the phosphorus use efficiency and wheat productivity under different irrigation regimes

This study was conducted to evaluate the phosphorus (P) application methods under different irrigation levels to maximize wheat yield and phosphorus use efficiency (PUE). P was applied at 0, 61, 104 and 142 kg P ₂O ₅ ha ^-1 as band placement or by broadcasting in wheat irrigated at four irrigation regimes (0, 2, 3 & 4 irrigations). Phosphorus levels were determined to adjusted soil solution P levels (0.0, 0.1, 0.2 & 0.3 mg P L-1) in soil solution by Freundlich Model. Increasing P rate up to 104 kg P ₂O ₅ ha ^-1 (0.2 mg P L ^-1 in soil solution) improved the grain yield, yield related traits, grain and straw P contents, total P uptake, net income and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of wheat. However, P application at 61 and 142 kg P ₂O ₅ ha ^-1 (0.1 & 0.6 mg P L ^-1 in soil solution) caused higher PUE and Olsen P, respectively. Band placement was more effective and economical than broadcasting. Three irrigations at crown root initiation, booting and grain development stages were more economical to achieve higher grain yield and net income of wheat. In crux, band placement of P at 104 kg P ₂O ₅ ha ^-1 (0.2 mg P L ^-1 in soil solution) with 3 irrigations (at crown rooting, booting & grain development stages) is the best option to harvest maximum wheat productivity, PUE and net economic returns in sandy clay loam soils.