AMELIORATING SOIL HEALTH FOR IMPROVED PHOSPHORUS UPTAKE AND DURUM WHEAT YIELD THROUGH FARMYARD MANURE AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZATION

To address concerns relating soil degradation, this research explores how phosphorus (P) and farmyard manure (FYM) can rejuvenate soil health, boost microbial and enzyme activity, and enhance durum wheat productivity at local farm near ARI Tarnab-Peshawar in 2020-21 and 2021-22. The trail followed randomized complete block design with split plot arrangements having FYM and control in main plots and P doses in subplots at 30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1 along with a control. Significant improvements were observed 90 and 60 kg P ha-1 producing higher biological and grain yield while 90 kg P ha-1 producing higher P content and uptake in both years. Similarly, FYM application resulted in significantly improved results over control. The synergistic effect of P doses and FYM caused notable improvements in soil organic matter, soil phosphorus and cation exchange capacity. Microbial biomass nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus significantly improved with the application of 60 kg P ha⁻¹, showing no significant difference compared to 90 kg P ha⁻¹, while FYM incorporation over two years also enhanced microbial biomass and soil respiration. Combine effect of P doses and FYM was also positive for phosphatase and glucosidase activity whereas Invertase activity improved regardless of P application. PCA and heatmap analyses further elucidated the positive relationship between 90 kg P ha⁻¹ combined with FYM on soil microbial and enzymatic activities, while 60 kg P ha⁻¹ and FYM was strongly associated with yield improvements in durum wheat. In conclusion, improvement due to the synergy of P and FYM was prominent in durum wheat yield, P uptake along with enhancement in soil bioactivity. Therefore, it is recommended for ameliorating soil health and crop production.