“Effect Different Organic Nutrition Sources (Compost, Foliar Nutrients And Biofertilizers) On Growth And Growth Parameters Of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)”
Main Article Content
Abstract
The Crop Research Center conducted a field experiment at the School of Agriculture, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, to assess the impact of various organic nutrition sources (compost, foliar nutrients, and biofertilizers) on the growth and growth parameters of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during the Rabi season of 2021. Employing the HD-2967 variety, the experiment followed a randomized block design (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications. The net and gross plot dimensions were 4.5 m × 6.5 m and 5.4 m × 7.0 m, respectively. Treatment combinations included T6: T2 + T3 + T4, T7: T2 + T4 + T5, T8: T3 + T4 + T5, T9: T2 + T3 + T4 + T5, T10: T2 + T3, T1: Control; T2: Compost @ 8.5 t ha-1; T3: Azotobacter and PSB soil application @ 10.0 kg ha-1; T4: Three foliar sprays of liquid organic NPK; T5: One foliar spray of liquid organic potash plus compost at 8.5 t ha-1; T6.
The experiment aimed to assess how organic nutrient sources influenced the quality and growth outcomes of wheat. Results indicated that the treatment T9 (One foliar spray of liquid organic potash + compost + soil application of Azotobacter and PSB + three foliar sprays of liquid organic NPK + compost @ 8.5 t ha-1) significantly impacted growth parameters, yield attributes, quality, and economic profit. Comparable treatments, including compost + soil application of Azotobacter and PSB + three foliar sprays of liquid organic NPK (T6), were also effective in these aspects. Moreover, improvements in soil chemical, biological, and fertility status were observed with T9, involving three liquid organic NPK foliar sprays, one liquid organic potash foliar spray, compost application, and the use of Azotobacter and PSB in the soil, along with compost at 8.5 t ha-1.
Economically, the application of compost plus Azotobacter and PSB to the soil demonstrated increased gross financial returns, net financial returns, and B:C ratio when cultivating organic wheat. Notably, T9, incorporating more compost at 8.5 t ha-1, outperformed other organic nutrient sources, similar to one foliar spray of liquid organic potash and three foliar sprays of liquid organic NPK.