Impact of Ganga Sludge-derived Organic Nutrient Management on Soil Fertility, Productivity, and Resource-use Efficiency in Wheat-Pea Intercropping Systems under a Humid Subtropical Climate

Introduction/Objective This study evaluated the effects of Ganga sludge-based organic manures on soil nutrient availability, growth, yield attributes, and land-use efficiency of wheat ( Triticum aestivum ), pea ( Pisum sativum ), and their intercropping system under a humid subtropical climate. Methods A field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with seven nutrient management treatments, comprising a conventional fertilization control and single or combined applications of Jaivik Prom, Pori Potash, Dharti ka Chaukidar, Jaivik Poshak, and Jaivik Khad. Growth attributes, Crop Growth Rate (CGR), yield components, Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), competition indices, and correlations between soil properties and crop performance were evaluated under sole and intercropping systems. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and LSD tests ( p ≤ 0.05). Results Integrated organic nutrient management significantly enhanced crop performance compared with conventional fertilization. In pea, the combination of Pori Potash and Jaivik Poshak produced the highest grain yield under both intercropping (4.67 kg plot −1 ) and sole cropping (6.81 kg plot −1 ). In contrast, Jaivik Prom combined with Jaivik Khad markedly improved pod production and biomass. In wheat, the combined application of Pori Potash and Jaivik Khad resulted in the highest grain yield under sole (1.71 kg plot −1 ) and intercropping (1.00 kg plot −1 ), while Jaivik Khad alone enhanced crop growth rate, leaf area, and chlorophyll content. Pea performed better under sole cropping, whereas wheat benefited from intercropping. LER values (1.35–2.32) confirmed superior land-use efficiency of intercropping, and available phosphorus and potassium showed strong positive correlations with crop growth and yield. Discussion Improved crop performance was primarily associated with enhanced nutrient availability and complementary interactions between wheat and pea, particularly the legume component's facilitation of nitrogen availability. Conclusion The results indicate that integrated application of Ganga sludge-based organic manures, particularly combined formulations, offers a sustainable approach for nutrient recycling, soil fertility improvement, and enhanced productivity in organic and low-input cereal-legume systems.