Nutrient Integration Strategies in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Production

Abstract

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) has emerged as a sustainable approach for optimizing wheat productivity while maintaining soil health. This study evaluates the impact of combined organic and inorganic fertilizer applications on wheat growth parameters, yield components, and economic viability. The research employed a randomized block design with nine treatment combinations including varying levels of NPK fertilizers (0-150 kg/ha N, 0-80 kg/ha P₂O₅, 0-60 kg/ha K₂O) integrated with organic amendments such as Farm Yard Manure (FYM), vermicompost, and poultry manure. Results demonstrated that the application of 120:60:40 N:P:K kg/ha combined with 10 t/ha FYM significantly enhanced grain yield (5.04 t/ha), biological yield (14.73 t/ha), and protein content (9.46%) compared to sole chemical fertilizer treatments. The integrated approach improved soil physical properties, reduced bulk density by 0.14 Mg/m³, and increased nutrient use efficiency by 15-20%. Economic analysis revealed maximum net returns (₹78,010/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (2.52) with organic-inorganic combinations. These findings confirm that INM strategies effectively balance productivity enhancement with environmental sustainability in wheat cultivation systems.