Soil Properties and Wheat Yield under STCR-Based Nutrient Application in an Inceptisol

Abstract

Soil Test Crop Response-based nutrient application is an important strategy for improving soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, and sustainable wheat production in Agronomy. Inceptisols, widely cultivated for wheat, often face nutrient imbalances that limit productivity and soil health. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years during the Rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22, at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj, District of Uttar Pradesh. The central objective of this experimentation was to evaluate the implications of employing a Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) strategy for fertilizer application and its chaser impact on soil attributes and yield within the background of Inceptisol soil order, with a focused attention on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivate within the Prayagraj region. Sandy loam in soil texture, belongs to soil order Inceptisol and neutral in soil reaction. Soil samples were taken from two depth viz.0-15 cm and 15-30 cm and analyzed for their physico-chemical properties (BD, PD, Soil pH, and OC). The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design and replicated thrice with 9 treatments. The best treatment combination was (T9) STB (100:75:50 NPK kg/ha + FYM 15 t/ha), which displayed grain yield of 6.50 t /ha on a pooled basis respectively. It is concluded that the advantageous use of NPK fertilizers with FYM- based organic fertilizer on STCR standpoint not only grant best wheat yield but also increased soil status and environment approachable.