Nutritional Status of Plant, Grain and Soil in Nutrient Management of Irrigated Wheat Under Natural Farming System

This study evaluated cow urine (CU), Jeevamrutha (JA), their combinations, and standard controls on nutrient uptake, grain protein, and post-harvest soil fertility in irrigated wheat. Among single inputs, 100% CU produced the highest N uptake and grain protein, followed by 50% and 25% CU; 100% JA improved N uptake and protein over the ZBNF schedule and 25% JA, while 50% JA performed on par with 100% JA. The combination CU 50% + JA 100% (CU3JA4) yielded the greatest grain, straw, and total plant N uptake and protein, and similar superiority extended to P, K, and micronutrient (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu) uptake. Post-harvest soil pH and organic carbon were largely unchanged across treatments, whereas electrical conductivity was higher under the recommended package of practices (RPP). Available N, P₂O₅, K₂O and DTPA-extractable micronutrients were greatest under CU3JA4, with organic farming occasionally exceeding RPP for soil micronutrients. Overall, organic liquid bio-inputs—particularly CU and JA used together—enhanced nutrient uptake and soil fertility; integrating them with conventional practices may balance rapid nutrient delivery with sustained soil health for more resilient wheat production.