Performance evaluation of nutrient management practices in wheat crop

Abstract

A study was conducted for the two year during Rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mahasamund (Chhattisgarh) to evaluate the agronomic and economic performance of six nutrient management approaches on wheat (var. Ratan). The treatments included Natural Farming, Conventional Farming (100% RDF), Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Organic Farming (50% FYM + 50% Vermicompost), FYM (100%), and Vermicompost (100%). Significant variations were observed among treatments for grain yield, stover yield, and profitability. INM consistently recorded the highest grain yield in both years owing to balanced nutrient supply and improved soil biological activity. Natural Farming, although producing comparatively lower yields, achieved the highest B:C ratio (2.59 and 2.06) because of extremely low input cost. FYM (100%) remained a stable performer with moderate yield and high profitability. Organic Farming improved productivity but was constrained by higher input expenses. Vermicompost (100%) showed moderate yield but the lowest B:C ratio due to high cost of manure. The economic analysis indicated that profitability was strongly influenced by input cost structure rather than yield alone. Overall, INM emerged as the most productive nutrient management practice, whereas Natural Farming proved to be the most economically viable option for resource-poor farmers. The findings suggest that combining organics with chemical fertilizers ensures maximum productivity, while low-input natural systems enhance profitability under Chhattisgarh plains.