Efficient nitrogen management in wheat cultivation is essential for achieving high yields while minimizing environmental impacts. This study aims to improve soil fertility and wheat productivity by optimizing nitrogen levels (NL) in combination with spent mushroom substrate (SMS). A two-year field experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block (RCB) design with two factors: nitrogen rates (0, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha⁻1) and SMS levels (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 t ha⁻1), replicated three times. Data were analyzed to evaluate plant growth, soil fertility, and microbial activity, supported by Principal Component Analysis and economic analysis. Application of 120 kg ha⁻1 N, particularly when combined with SMS at 10 t ha−1, significantly enhanced plant height, grain yield, and biological yield which was statistically at par with 90 kg ha−1 when combined with 10 t ha−1 SMS. Moreover, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and extractable potassium peaked with 120 kg ha⁻1 N and 10 t ha⁻1 SMS, while lime content decreased with increased NL and SMS. Higher NL and SMS levels increased soil respiration and microbial biomass carbon, with protease activity highest at 60–90 kg ha⁻1 N and urease activity at 120 kg ha⁻1 N, maximized at 10 t ha⁻1 SMS. Economic analysis demonstrated that 90 kg ha⁻1 N with 5 t ha⁻1 SMS provided the optimal economic benefit. The combined application of 90 kg ha⁻1 N and 5 t ha⁻1 SMS is recommended as the most sustainable and economical practice for wheat cultivation. Future research should explore this approach across different crops and soil types to validate its broader commercial and environmental impacts.
Integrated Management of Nitrogen and Spent Mushroom Compost for Improved Wheat Yield and Soil Fertility
Ahmed, Uzair;Ronga, Domenico;
2025
Abstract
Efficient nitrogen management in wheat cultivation is essential for achieving high yields while minimizing environmental impacts. This study aims to improve soil fertility and wheat productivity by optimizing nitrogen levels (NL) in combination with spent mushroom substrate (SMS). A two-year field experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block (RCB) design with two factors: nitrogen rates (0, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha⁻1) and SMS levels (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 t ha⁻1), replicated three times. Data were analyzed to evaluate plant growth, soil fertility, and microbial activity, supported by Principal Component Analysis and economic analysis. Application of 120 kg ha⁻1 N, particularly when combined with SMS at 10 t ha−1, significantly enhanced plant height, grain yield, and biological yield which was statistically at par with 90 kg ha−1 when combined with 10 t ha−1 SMS. Moreover, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and extractable potassium peaked with 120 kg ha⁻1 N and 10 t ha⁻1 SMS, while lime content decreased with increased NL and SMS. Higher NL and SMS levels increased soil respiration and microbial biomass carbon, with protease activity highest at 60–90 kg ha⁻1 N and urease activity at 120 kg ha⁻1 N, maximized at 10 t ha⁻1 SMS. Economic analysis demonstrated that 90 kg ha⁻1 N with 5 t ha⁻1 SMS provided the optimal economic benefit. The combined application of 90 kg ha⁻1 N and 5 t ha⁻1 SMS is recommended as the most sustainable and economical practice for wheat cultivation. Future research should explore this approach across different crops and soil types to validate its broader commercial and environmental impacts.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
