Effect of Humic Acid Applied With Farmyard Manure on Nutrients Use Efficiency and Wheat Yield

Abstract

The use of chemical fertilizers for getting higher yield of crop imposes negative effects on soil properties. The application of organic amendments in combination with synthetic fertilizer to improve the growth of crop hence reduce its effect on soil has become imperative. A field experiment was carried out at research farm of The University of Agriculture Peshawar, to study the effect of Humic acid (HA) and farmyard manure (FYM) along with chemical fertilizers on N, P, and K use efficiency and yield of wheat crop during rabi 2020-21. Humic acid and FYM was applied at the rate of 10 kg ha-1 and 10 tons ha-1 respectively while the source of nitrogen was applied at the rate of 90 kg ha-1 and 120 kg ha-1, the source of phosphorous was applied at the rate of 60 kg ha-1 and 90 kg ha-1 and the source of potassium was applied at the rate of 45 kg ha-1 and 60 kg ha-1. Treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Application of HA and FYM along with different levels of synthetic fertilizers significantly improved plant height, biological yield and 1000-grain weight as compared to control. The results indicated that the application of synthetic fertilizers alone significantly increased grain yield from 2535 kg ha-1 in control to 3495 kg ha-1 that was further improved to 3717 kg ha-1 when combined with HA and to 3949 kg ha-1 when applied with FYM. The combined application of FYM and HA with 75% NPK resulted in higher yield than 100% NPK suggesting fertilizers reduction with improvement in yield. Furthermore, the study assessed the total nutrient uptake and use efficiency, indicating that FYM and HA application with NPK fertilizer enhanced the uptake of N, P, and K by wheat plants. Notably, the highest nutrient use efficiency was recorded in plots treated with FYM and HA along with 75% NPK fertilizer. These findings suggest the potential of integrated nutrient management practices to enhance wheat productivity and soil fertility.