Enhancing wheat productivity and economics through microbe-mediated phosphorus fertilization in wheat–mustard intercropping systems of the semi-arid region of India

Shyam Karan Karan; Dr Y V  Singh; Dr Amit Kumar; Dr Anchal  Dass; Sandeep Kumar

doi:10.56093/ijas.v95i11.169036

Authors

Shyam Karan Karan ICAR Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Dr Singh Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Dr Amit ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim 737 102, India
Dr Dass Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Sandeep ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v95i11.169036

Keywords:

Growth parameters, Phosphorus nutrition, Productivity, Profitability

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) deficiency and inefficient P use resulted low P use efficiency (15-20%) remain critical constraints in wheat-based cropping systems, particularly under resource-limited and intercropped environments. Moreover, the rising cost of P fertilizers and the environmental concerns associated with their excessive use have intensified the need for eco-friendly P management strategies. Therefore, a field trial was conducted during 2021-22 to 2022-23 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Four cropping systems (CSs) viz. CS₁: Sole wheat (control); CS₂: Sole mustard; CS₃: Wheat + mustard (5:1); CS₄: Wheat + mustard (5:2) and six P management strategies (PMS) viz. PMS₁: Control; PMS₂: RDF; PMS₃: 75% RDP+ PSB; PMS₄: 75%RDP+PROM; PMS₅: 75% RDP + PROM + PSB; PMS₆: No RDP+ PROM+PSB in split plot design with three replications. Among the PMS; 75% RDP + PROM + PSB significantly outperformed others. It recorded the highest wheat equivalent yield (56.86 t/ha), which was 34.5% higher than the control (PMS₁). This was accompanied by the highest test weight (41.8 g), tiller density (509.7/m²), harvest index (43.1%), and net return (₹129.3 ×10³/ha), with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.28 (vs. 2.76 in PMS1). Additionally, P₅ improved dry matter accumulation at harvest (1001 g/plant, a 23.1% increase over PMS1), leaf area index (5.73), and crop growth rate (4.57 g/m²/day at 40 DAS, up by 37.3% over PMS1). In terms of cropping systems, C₄(wheat + mustard in 5:2 row ratio) proved superior with the highest wheat equivalent yield (56.16 t/ha), representing a 9.6% increase over sole wheat (C₁). This system also enhanced dry matter accumulation (1000 g/plant), crop growth rate at 80 DAS (18.9 g/m²/day), and economic returns (₹82.2 ×10³/ha net return), while maintaining a high benefit-cost ratio (2.44). These results underscore the potential of 75% RDP + PROM + PSB and strategic intercropping (wheat + mustard in 5:2 row ratio) with mustard for improving productivity and profitability and support the adoption of biologically enriched P sources to reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers.

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Author Biographies

Dr Singh, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi

Dr Y. V. Singh,

Principal Scientist,

ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Dr Amit, ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim 737 102, India

Dr Amit Kumar, ARS

Scientist, Agronomy

ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim 737 102, India
Dr Dass, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi

Dr Anchal Dass, ARS

Principal Scientist,

ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.
Sandeep , ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning

Sandeep Kumar, ARS

Scientist,

ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, RC, Assam 785 004, India

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