Integration of KSB, organic and inorganic inputs on yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency under wheat in vertisols

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024-25 at the Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, to evaluate how the combined application of potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB), organic amendments, and inorganic fertilizers affects wheat yield, nutrient uptake, and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) in Vertisols. The study was arranged in a Randomized Block Design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatment involving 75% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) supplemented with KSB and vermicompost (T8) produced the highest grain yield (24.90 q ha⁻¹) and straw yield (30.12 q ha⁻¹), as well as maximum uptake of nitrogen (73.48 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (13.49 kg ha⁻¹), and potassium (43.86 kg ha⁻¹). This treatment also showed superior NUE for N (41.93%), P (15.45%), and K (40.90%). These findings indicate that integrating biofertilizers and organic inputs with reduced chemical fertilizers improves nutrient efficiency while supporting sustainable wheat production in Vertisols.