EFFECT OF INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON SOIL FERTILITY AND WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) PRODUCTIVITY UNDER SEMI-ARID CONDITIONS

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is a sustainable agricultural practice that combines organic manures, inorganic fertilizers, and biofertilizers to improve soil health while maintaining crop productivity. Excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers has resulted in soil degradation, nutrient imbalance, and environmental pollution. This study evaluated the influence of different nutrient management practices on wheat growth, yield, and soil fertility under semi-arid conditions. Five nutrient treatments were compared in a randomized block design with three replications during one cropping season. Growth parameters, grain yield, and soil nutrient status were recorded and analyzed statistically. The combined application of farmyard manure, recommended chemical fertilizers, and biofertilizers significantly enhanced plant height, spike length, grain yield, and post-harvest soil fertility compared to chemical fertilizers alone. Soil organic carbon increased by 18%, while available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium improved considerably. The findings indicate that integrated nutrient management can reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers while sustaining crop productivity and improving soil quality. Adoption of INM can contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability, environmental conservation, and enhanced food security.