Integrated organic-inorganic nutrient management for enhanced growth, yield, and viability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under semiarid conditions

This field investigation, conducted under the semiarid conditions of Akola, Maharashtra, evaluated the efficacy of eight distinct nutrient management strategies on the growth, and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The primary objective was to compare sole organic, sole inorganic, and integrated nutrient systems to identify sustainable pathways for wheat cultivation. Treatments included 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through vermicompost, 50% RDN via vermicompost integrated with biofertigation (Jeevamrut or Vermiwash), standalone biofertigation regimes, an unfertilized control, and a conventional 100% RDN through chemical fertilizers. Results demonstrated that the conventional treatment (T8) produced the highest grain yield (3,927 kg ha⁻¹) and biological yield (9,963 kg ha⁻¹), underscoring the efficacy of readily available synthetic nutrients in maximizing short-term productivity. However, fully organic management with 100% RDN via vermicompost (T1) achieved a substantial grain yield of 2,728 kg ha⁻¹, while an integrated approach combining 50% RDN from vermicompost with fortnightly fertigation of Jeevamrut and Vermiwash (T6) yielded 2,382 kg ha⁻¹. Both organic and integrated treatments significantly outperformed the unfertilized control (1,292 kg ha⁻¹). The study concludes that while synthetic fertilizers optimize immediate agronomic performance, integrated and low-input organic approaches offer resilient and sustainable alternatives. By improving soil health indicators, enhancing nutritional quality, and reducing reliance on costly external inputs, these systems present a viable strategy for balancing crop productivity with long-term ecological stewardship in semiarid agroecosystems.