Effect of combined application of organic waste and inorganic fertilizer on growth, P-uptake and yield of wheat

Due to continuous use of chemical fertilizers under intensive cultivation system, soils are being degraded physically as well as nutritionally. Integrated use of organic waste and chemical fertilizer is being emphasized for restoration of soil health and sustained crop productivity. A pot and a field experiment were conducted to study the effect of combined use of organic wastes and chemical fertilizer on wheat growth and yield. The results of both experiments showed that integrated use of organic industrial waste (Filter-cake, FC/Poultry waste, PW) and chemical fertilizers in 2:1 P ratio proved to be a better combination than integration of inorganic sources in the same ratio for increasing the P-fertilizer efficiency and enhancing grain yield of wheat. Combined application of PW and DCP (di-calcium phosphate) proved better than other combinations with relatively higher value: cost ratio as compared to DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) alone. Thus, substantial reduction in P fertilizer input may reduce the cost of production.