Effect of Integrated Use of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Wheat Productivity in Tigray, Ethiopia

Declining soil fertility is a major constraint to wheat production in Tigray, Ethiopia, threatening food security and rural livelihoods. This study evaluated the effects of integrated organic and inorganic nutrient management on the growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of bread wheat (Shina, HAR-1868) in Laelay Maichew Woreda during the 2019 cropping season. A factorial experiment with four compost levels (0, 4, 8, and 12 t/ha) and three chemical fertilizer rates (0, 50, and 100 kg/ha of urea and DAP) was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil and compost analyses indicated low fertility in the experimental site, with deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter, while the compost was rich in nitrogen and organic carbon. Results showed that both chemical and compost fertilizers, individually and in combination, significantly improved wheat phenology, growth parameters, grain and biomass yield, and nutrient uptake. The combined application of 12 t/ha compost and 100 kg/ha chemical fertilizer produced the highest grain yield (46.17 q/ha), above-ground biomass (102.50 q/ha), and nutrient uptake (N: 97.84 kg/ha; P: 5.54 kg/ha), outperforming sole applications. Grain yield was positively correlated with plant height, panicle length, number of tillers, seeds per panicle, biomass, and straw yield, and negatively correlated with days to emergence, heading, and maturity. The study demonstrates that integrated nutrient management using locally available compost and recommended chemical fertilizers can enhance wheat productivity, improve soil fertility, and optimize nutrient use efficiency under Tigray conditions. Adoption of such strategies could contribute to sustainable wheat production and food security in the region.