Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Doses on Growth and Yield of Wheat Crop (Triticum aestivum) in Northeast Agro Ecology of Afghanistan

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the agriculture farm of Kunduz University during the fall season of 2023 to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of wheat crop in the northeast agro ecology of Afghanistan. The study included five treatments: control, 160 kg N/ha+80 kg P2O5/ha+10 tons of poultry manure/ha, 80 kg N/ha+40 kg P2O5/ha+5 tons of poultry manure and 160 kg N/ha+80 kg P2O5+10 tons of poultry manure. Results indicated that the combination of 160 kg N/ha + 80 kg P2O5/ha+10 tons of poultry manure yielded the highest plant height (107.08 cm), leaf area index (3.02), dry matter accumulation (372.81 g/plant), spike length (16.51 cm), spikes per square meter (343.67), spikelet\u27s per spike (21.40), grains per spike (53.62), 1000-grain weight (57.73 g), grain yield (4.20 tons/ha), straw yield (6.38 tons/ha), biological yield (10.39 tons/ha), harvest index (44.61%), gross return (101,165 AFN/ha), net return (60,740 AFN/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.73). The control plot exhibited the lowest growth, yield and economic performance. Treatment revealed the detrimental effects of inadequate fertilization underscoring the necessity for nutrient management in wheat cultivation. The results advocate for integrated nutrient management practices that leverage both organic and inorganic fertilizers to optimize agricultural productivity sustainably. These findings provide valuable insights for farmers and agricultural policymakers in Afghanistan emphasizing the need to adopt balanced fertilization techniques to enhance food security and economic stability in the region. Future research should focus on long-term effects and the sustainability of these practices to ensure continued agricultural success