Optimizing bread wheat ( <i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) yield and nutrient use efficiency through nitrogen and phosphorus management in Nitisols of Eastern Amhara Highlands, Ethiopia

Abstract Soil fertility depletion, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, is a major constraint to wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) productivity in Ethiopia, influencing crop yields and food security. A field experiment was conducted to determine the optimum nitrogen and phosphorus rates for wheat yield, nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, and economic returns in Wadla District, North Wollo, Ethiopia. The experiment was arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatment consisted of 46, 92, 138, and 184 kg ha −1 N levels and 23, 46, 69, and 92 kg ha −1 P 2 O 5 levels. Yield and yield component parameters, as well as a plant sample, were collected. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Application Software in a mixed model. The results showed that the nutrient levels significantly influenced yield, yield components, nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, and economic returns. The maximum biological grain (3840.0 kg ha −1 ) and biomass (7910 kg ha −1 ) yields were recorded at 138 kg N ha −1 with 92 kg P 2 O 5 ha −1 . The highest performance, in terms of economically yield‐related parameters, was recorded with the combined application of 138 kg N ha −1 and 69 kg P 2 O 5 ha −1 , resulting in biomass and grain yields of 7800 and 3770 kg ha −1 , respectively. Total nitrogen uptake was high for 138 kg N ha −1 (82.52 kg N ha −1 ), while phosphorus uptake was high for 69 kg P 2 O 5 ha −1 (18.42 kg P ha −1 ), with uptake efficiency decreasing at higher rates. The nutrient use efficiency parameter also reached its highest values at the lowest to moderate N and P levels. Partial budget analysis indicates that the applications of 138 kg N ha −1 with 69 kg P 2 O 5 ha −1 gave the highest net benefit of 258,954.2 ETB ha −1 , with a marginal return of 5825.3%. Therefore, the application of 138 kg N ha −1 and 69 kg P 2 O 5 ha −1 is recommended for maximizing wheat yield, economic returns, and enhancing nutrient uptake and nutrient efficiency in Wadla and similar agro‐ecological areas. Further research should be done on the long‐term residual effect of P and nutrient efficiency through regular soil testing and monitoring to enhance nutrient uptake while minimizing environmental footprints.