Effect of Ni on S uptake and dry matter yield of wheat

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of Ni on the dry matter yield, nutrient concentration and uptake in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. HUW 234) in the presence and absence of applied sulphur. A factorial combination of 16 treatments was replicated four times. Treatments comprised four levels of each of S (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) and Ni (0, 1, 2 and 4 kg/ha). Applied Ni at 1 kg/ha level increased the dry matter yield significantly but at 4 kg/ha level this set in the declining trend. S and Ni interaction was significant. Dry matter yield was enhanced by Ni 1 and 2 kg/ha soil level at all levels of S but reduced at 4 kg/ha level of Ni. S concentration in plant, straw and grain increased with increasing levels of applied S in absence of Ni. Highest content was recorded at 60 kg/ha applied S in absence of Ni. When S was applied at 20 kg/ha, Ni promoted the S concentration and uptake as compared to absence of Ni. Applied Ni at 1 and 2 kg/ha levels had synergistic effect on S content and uptake at 0, 20 and 40 kg/ha levels. Whereas applied Ni at all levels had an antagonistic effect on S content when S was applied at 60 kg/ha. Highest uptake was registered when S was applied at 40 kg/ha in combination of Ni at 1 kg/ha.