Efficacy of Various Combinations of NPK Fertilizer Sources on Economics and Yield Quality of Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Rainfed Condition on Obudu Highlands, Cross River State, Nigeria

Optimum NPK fertilization from the right sources is the most important production factors for higher grain yield of wheat. Study to investigate the effect of NPK fertilizer sources on grain yield, gluten contents and economic benefit of rainfed Wheat production at two different locations (Obudu Cattle Ranch East and West). The field experiment consists of twelve (12) treatment combinations from three (3) different sources of NPK fertilizers (100 kg N ha-1, 40 kg P ha-1 as SSP, T4, 60 kg K ha-1,N + P (100:40) kg ha-1, N + k (100:60) kg ha-1, K + P (60:40) kg ha-1 , NPK (50:20:30) kg ha-1, NPK (75:30:45) kg h, NPK (100:40:60) kg ha-1, NPK (125: 50:75) kg ha-1, NPK (150:60:90) kg ha-1 ,NPK (175:70:105) kg ha-1 )and one control (without any fertilizer application). The field experiment was laid down in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Economic analysis was determined by the use of enterprise analysis and profitability measures and ratio. Results indicate that: N, P, and K, fertilizers applied at the rate of 125:50:75 kg ha -1 significantly influenced grain yield and quality of spring wheat. The lowest grain yield (t/ha) of spring wheat at Obudu Cattle was 0.63 t/ha while the highest was 3.12 t/ha indicating high production potentials. Profitability Index (PI) analysis show that the highest PI values (1.86 and 1.87) were obtained from TNPK 125:50:75 kg ha -1 for both OCR East and West. The least PI values (0.98 and 0.82) were obtained from the Control plots. With PI of 1 and above implies that plant Wheat at OCR is a viable investment, Highest net revenue returns of #633,000 and #639,000 was obtained at 125: 50: 75 kg/ha from OCR- East and OCR-West experimental sites respectively. Cultivation of spring wheat at Obudu Cattle Ranch under rain - fed is hereby, recommended due to its potentials while N, P, and K fertilization at rates of 125 kg N; 50 kg P; 75kg K ha-1 is recommended for sustainable spring wheat production both in terms of grain yield and quality.