Nano Urea as Sustainable Nutrient Strategy for Improving Phenological Traits, Quality and Soil Fertility in Wheat in semi-arid Regions of Haryana

The field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2023-24 at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, to assess the impact of nano urea on growth, physiology, grain quality, and soil properties in wheat. The study used a split-plot design with three varieties (WH 1270, DBW 222, DBW 303) and four nutrient levels: 100% RDN, 100% RDN + one foliar spray of nano urea @ 4 mL L⁻¹ (45 DAS), 75% RDN + two sprays (45 and 65 DAS), and 50% RDN + three sprays (30, 60, and 90 DAS). Wheat phenology and physiology responded significantly to. WH 1270 with longest crop duration, while 75% RDN + two sprays extended grain filling. Maximum chlorophyll (53.88 SPAD) and relative water content (91.35%) were observed under 100% RDN + one spray and 50% RDN + three sprays, respectively. DBW 303 produced the best grain quality with highest protein (13.12%), sedimentation value (43.58 mL), and hectolitre weight (82.74 kg hL⁻¹). Post-harvest soil analysis showed maximum available nitrogen (148.64 kg ha⁻¹) and phosphorus (17.71 kg ha⁻¹) under 100% RDN + one spray. Soil pH, EC, and organic carbon remained stable. The study suggests nano urea enhances nitrogen efficiency and supports sustainable wheat production under semi-arid conditions.