Restoring soil functionality and improving wheat yield through integrated farmyard manure, compost, crop residues and decomposition enhancers

BACKGROUND: Wheat productivity is frequently constrained by the slow turnover of soil organic matter (OM), which limits nutrient mineralization and reduces their bioavailability to plants. In this context, the present study was conducted to assess the effects of different OM sources on wheat growth, phenological attributes, yield attributes, chlorophyll content and soil physicochemical properties, with a focus on improving sustainable nutrient management strategies for improving wheat productivity and soil health. RESULTS: ) was recorded in FYM + humic acid treatment. The highest value cost ratio (VCR) was observed in no residue + humic acid, followed by FYM + Bio-aab and FYM + humic acid. CONCLUSION: Across both seasons, the combination of FYM and compost with humic acid improved crop growth and yield, while untreated plots recorded the lowest values. Integrated application of FYM or compost with humic acid, Bio-aab or Bio-organic phosphate is recommended to enhance wheat productivity and improve soil fertility under semi-arid conditions.