Wheat Crop Responsiveness to Next-Generation Nutrient Management Strategies for Enhancing Productivity and Soil Fertility

Background: Nutrient management is a critical aspect of wheat cultivation, as it directly influences crop growth, yield, and grain quality. Conventional nutrient management practices often involve blanket application of chemical fertilizers, leading to low nutrient use efficiency, environmental pollution, and soil degradation. Wheat is a staple crop globally, and optimizing its productivity is crucial for food security. Aim: This study explores the responsiveness of wheat crops to innovative nutrient management strategies aimed at enhancing yields and soil health. Methods: Field experiments were conducted at three locations in major wheat-growing regions of India. The experiments were laid out in a split-plot design with four replications. The wheat cultivar HD 2967, which is widely adapted to the study regions, was used in all experiments. Plant height, tiller density, and leaf area index (LAI) were recorded at different growth stages. Grain samples were analyzed for protein content, carbohydrate content, and micronutrient concentrations (zinc and iron) using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the split-plot design model in the SPSS software package. The treatment means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test at a 5% level of significance. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify the key factors influencing wheat crop responsiveness to nutrient management strategies. Results: The results indicated that precision nutrient management using remote sensing and variable rate technology significantly improved nutrient use efficiency and grain yields compared to conventional practices. Slow-release fertilizers, particularly polymer-coated urea, maintained a stable nutrient supply and reduced losses, leading to higher biomass production and grain protein content. Biofertilizers, such as Azotobacter and mycorrhizal fungi, promoted root growth and nutrient uptake, resulting in enhanced stress tolerance and grain quality. Integrating these next-generation nutrient management approaches with conservation agriculture practices showed synergistic effects on soil organic carbon, microbial biomass, and overall soil fertility. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of adopting innovative nutrient management strategies to improve wheat productivity and sustainability in India and other wheat-growing regions worldwide.