2025, Vol. 8, Issue 5, Part E

author(s)
Ankur Kumar and Manoj Kumar

abstract
Late-sown wheat faces significant yield constraints due to compressed growing seasons and nutrient limitations, necessitating sustainable nutrient management strategies. This study evaluated the effects of integrated nutrient management (INM) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth, yield, and soil health under late-sown conditions in western Uttar Pradesh, India. Twelve treatments combining varying proportions of the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN, 120 kg N/ha) with farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost were tested in a randomized block design with three replications during the 2024-2025 rabi season. Treatments included a control (no nutrients), 100% RDN, and combinations of 125%, 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% RDN with FYM or vermicompost. Results revealed that INM significantly enhanced plant population, height, tiller density, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, and yield attributes compared to the control and sole inorganic fertilizer treatments. Treatment T11 (25% RDN + 75% N through vermicompost) achieved the highest plant population (105 plants/m²), effective tillers (317/m²), and grain yield (46.8 q/ha), closely followed by T10 (25% RDN + 75% FYM, 45.6 q/ha) and T12 (100% RDN, 47.5 q/ha). Vermicompost-based treatments consistently outperformed FYM counterparts, likely due to faster nutrient mineralization and enhanced microbial activity. Excessive inorganic nitrogen (125% RDN) reduced plant establishment, indicating potential osmotic stress. Post-harvest soil analysis showed improved organic carbon and nutrient availability in INM treatments. These findings underscore the efficacy of INM, particularly with vermicompost, in optimizing wheat productivity and sustainability under late-sown conditions, offering a viable strategy for resource-constrained farmers.