Effect of seed bio-priming and N doses under varied soil type on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under greenhouse conditions

This study was aimed to investigate an impact of bio-priming by Trichoderma harzianum BHU51, varied N doses (100%, 75%, 50% and 25% RDN) along with varied soils types (alluvial, red and black) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under greenhouse conditions. Results revealed that significantly enhanced plant height, chlorophyll content, root length, effective tillers growth and yield parameters of wheat with different soil type under greenhouse conditions by the application of various treatments. Significantly higher effective tillers, chlorophyll content and root length were recorded with recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) of NPK @ 120-60-60 kg ha−1 followed by seed bio-priming with T. harzianum+3/4th N and RDF of PK. The seed bio-priming also enhanced the plant growth and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Agronomic use efficiency (AUE) and physiological use efficiency (PUE) were significantly higher with alluvial soil as compared to black and red soils. The principal component analysis revealed that root length and N uptake were the most important property to improve the NUE. The results indicated suitability of Trichoderma harzianum BHU51 as a bio-priming agent in improving NUE and wheat crop productivity.