The Comparative Impact of Nutrient-Coated Urea Fertilizers on Growth, Biochemistry, and Yield Traits of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Controlled Pot Trials

Comparative Impact of Nutrient-Coated Urea Fertilizers on Growth, Biochemistry, and Yield Traits of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Controlled Pot Trials

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple crop that heavily depends on nitrogen (N) fertilizers for optimal yield. Conventional urea, while widely used, suffers from poor nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) due to leaching and volatilization losses. Nutrient-coated urea fertilizers offer a promising solution by combining slow-release nitrogen with essential micronutrients such as zinc, sulphur, neem, and boron.

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the comparative effects of different nutrient-coated urea fertilizers—zinc-coated (ZnCU), sulphur-coated (SCU), neem-coated (NCU), and boron-coated urea (BCU)—on the physiological, biochemical, and agronomic performance of wheat under controlled pot conditions.

Methods:

A completely randomized design (CRD) was used with five treatments (including a control with uncoated urea) and three replicates each. The wheat variety Akbar 2019 was cultivated for 120 days. Data were collected on growth attributes (height, biomass), physiological indicators (chlorophyll, protein, carotenoids), antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, POD, PPO), and yield traits (grain weight, 1000-kernel weight, grain hardness). Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (p ≤ 0.05).

Results:

Neem-coated urea (NCU) significantly outperformed other treatments in improving chlorophyll content (3.12 mg/g), protein concentration (15.43%), enzymatic activity, and grain yield (38.7 g/plant). ZnCU and BCU also enhanced crop performance but to a slightly lesser extent. Antioxidant enzyme activities, particularly CAT and SOD, were significantly higher under NCU, suggesting enhanced stress tolerance. Yield-related parameters, including grain hardness and test weight, were highest in NCU treatments.

Conclusions:

Nutrient-coated urea fertilizers, especially neem-coated urea, improve nitrogen efficiency, plant vigor, antioxidant defenses, and yield potential in wheat. These findings support the integration of coated urea formulations in sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.

Keywords:

Wheat (Triticum aestivum), neem-coated urea, zinc-coated urea, nitrogen use efficiency, antioxidant enzymes, grain quality, sustainable agriculture.