Synergistic Effects of Urea, Poultry Manure, and Zeolite on Wheat Growth and Yield
Author(s)
Khaliq, Abdul
Shehzad, Muhammad
Huma, Mahwish Khan
Tahir, Majid Mahmood
Javeed, Hafiz Muhammad Rashad
Date Issued
2024
Type
article
Volume
8
Issue
1
Start Page
18
Journal
Abstract
The agricultural sector faces the dual challenge of enhancing crop productivity and mitigating
environmental impacts. Optimizing nutrient management is vital for sustainable agriculture,
particularly in sloping terrains like the Himalayan region, where damaged soils require restoration.
This study explores the synergistic effects of urea, poultry manure, and zeolite on wheat growth
and yield in degraded mountainous soils. A total of twelve treatments were implemented in a
randomized complete block design, replicated three times. The treatments included a control (T1);
urea nitrogen at 120 kg N ha−1 (UN120) (T2); poultry manure (PM) at 120 kg N ha−1 (T3); zeolite-1
(Z1) at 5 t ha−1 (T4); zeolite-2 (Z2) at 5 t ha−1 (T5); UN120 + Z1 (T6); PM + Z1 (T7); UN120 + Z2 (T8);
PM + Z2 (T9); ½ UN + ½ PM + Z1 (T10); ½ UN + ½ PM + Z2 (T11); and ½ UN + ½ PM + ½ Z1 +
½ Z2 (T12). The UN120 treatment demonstrated significant improvements in wheat growth, with
notable increases in shoot length (79.7%), shoot fresh weight (50.8%), root length (50.6%), chlorophyll
content (53.6%), and leaf area (72.5%) compared to the control. Wheat yield and its components
experienced significant improvements when treated with urea nitrogen (UN) and zeolites. Among
these treatments, UN120 exhibited the highest efficacy. Nutrient content analysis revealed substantial
increases in shoot nitrogen (70.6%), phosphorus (33.3%), and potassium (15.6%) with UN120 treatment
compared to the control. The concoction of UN and PM with zeolites further enhanced nutrient
levels. Integrating mineral nitrogen sources with organic amendments and zeolites proved effective
in enhancing wheat productivity in degraded mountainous soils. Despite positive results, further
research is essential for widespread recommendations
Subjects