Soil health and nutrient dynamics in wheat under integrated nutrient management

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a globally significant cereal crop whose productivity is adversely affected by late sowing, leading to reduced yield potential due to a shortened growing season. Under such conditions, integrated nutrient management (INM) strategies that combine organic and inorganic nutrient sources offer a promising solution for enhancing soil fertility and crop performance. This study investigated the impact of various INM practices on potassium content and uptake in wheat under late-sown conditions. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with twelve treatments, including different combinations of farmyard manure (FYM), Vermicompost, and nitrogen levels. Soil samples collected before sowing and after harvest were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), and available N, P, and K. Grain and straw samples were evaluated for nutrient content and uptake. Results showed that INM treatments, particularly those involving Vermicompost with recommended or enhanced nitrogen levels, significantly improved soil fertility parameters and nutrient uptake. The treatment with 125% RDN plus 25% nitrogen from Vermicompost (T3) consistently recorded the highest values for available soil potassium, organic carbon, and potassium uptake in both grain and straw. These findings highlight the potential of INM for improving nutrient use efficiency and sustaining wheat production under late-sown conditions.