EFFECT OF BENTONITE-BASED SEED COATING ON THE FIELD EMERGENCE OF THE SPRING WHEAT CULTIVAR JANUB GAVHARI

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of bentonite-based seed coating, soil application of mineral fertilizers (NPK), and foliar application of suspension micronutrient fertilizers during the growing season on the field emergence of spring soft wheat under irrigated meadow-alluvial soil conditions in the Nukus district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. In the field experiment, 400 seeds were sown per square meter, and the effects of different nutrient management practices on field emergence were evaluated. The results demonstrated that seed coating combined with the integrated application of mineral and micronutrient fertilizers significantly improved field emergence, promoted uniform seedling establishment, and enhanced the early growth and development of wheat plants. In particular, seeds coated with bentonite produced a higher number of emerged plants than the control treatment. The findings indicate that bentonite-based seed coating is an effective agronomic practice for improving field emergence and creating favorable conditions for achieving high grain yields in spring soft wheat production.