Effect of integrated nutrient management for sustainable production of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present investigation entitled “Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management for Sustainable Production of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)” was carried out during the Rabi season of 2024-25 at the Agronomy Farm, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan). The experiment aimed to evaluate the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth, yield, and profitability of wheat cultivation. The study consisted of 10 treatment combinations involving various proportions of recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), and biofertilizer (Azotobacter), laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The results revealed significant variations across treatments for all measured parameters. The treatment T5 (100% RDF + Azotobacter) consistently outperformed others, recording the highest plant population (434.66 plants/m²), plant height (99.97 cm), number of tillers (430.67), fresh weight (57.27 g), dry weight (19.57 g), leaf area index (13.77), grain weight per spike (1.26 g), and number of grains per spikelet (4.33). Other integrated treatments such as T7 (50% RDF + 12 t/ha FYM + Azotobacter), T8 (75% RDF + 2 t/ha VC + Azotobacter), and T10 (12 t/ha FYM + 4 t/ha VC + Azotobacter) also exhibited superior performance compared to control. The control treatment (T1) recorded the lowest values across all parameters, confirming the necessity of nutrient supplementation. The results highlight that the combination of chemical fertilizers with biofertilizers and organic sources significantly enhances wheat growth and productivity. Thus, the application of 100% RDF along with Azotobacter is recommended for achieving optimum growth and yield, while partial RDF substitution with FYM or vermicompost and Azotobacter also presents a viable, eco-friendly alternative for sustainable wheat cultivation.