Optimization of integrated nutrient management for enhancing growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in sandy loam soil.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a globally significant cereal crop with vital roles in human civilization and the agricultural revolution. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) strategies on vegetative growth and yield parameters such as plant height, spike length, grains per spike, spike m-2, grain yield, biological yield, straw yield leaf area index, harvest index, and soil nutrient availability of wheat genotype PBW 590 (Triticum aestivum). The experiment was set up in randomised block design (RBD) with nine treatments in triplicates using different ratios of NPK, farm yard manure, vermicompost etc. The results indicated significant variations in plant height among the treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8 and T9) with the maximum (95.1 cm) in T4 (70% recommended dose of fertilizer + 2.5% Azospirillum + 2.5% phosphate solubilizing bacteria + 20% Farm yard manure + 5% Vermicompost), surpassing the recommended dose of fertilizer by 6.17%. Leaf Area Index positively responded to INM treatments, with T4 displaying the highest LAI (4.55), suggesting enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. Harvest Index (HI) indicated resource allocation towards edible yield, with T4 exhibiting the highest HI (50.7%) which was 34% higher than RDF. T4 consistently showed positive effects on the parameters, such as spike length (14.1 cm) and grains per spike (33), demonstrating variations among the treatments. Nutrient availability (N, P, and K) in the soil significantly improved under INM treatments, particularly T4, showcasing the potential for nutrient management in enhancing wheat growth and improving soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]