Comparative Study of Organic and Chemical Fertilizer Use on Wheat Production in Pakistan

Abstract

The overriding demand for sustainable agriculture has even created mindful interest in comparison of utility of organic and chemical fertilizer on crop production and soil health. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) being a basic crop in Pakistan plays a very critical role in food security and rural livelihood. This study analyses the effects of organic and chemical fertilizer applications on wheat production both in terms of yield, grain quality and soil nutrient status. Data was taken at wheat fields and in South Punjab, Pakistan by using randomized field experiment where organic compost, urea based chemical fertilizer and combination of both were used. Soil samples were studied for soil macronutrients, pH and organic matter content before and after cropping period and yield parameters like plant height, spike length, grain weight and total yield at harvesting stage were recorded. Statistical analyses including analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis were applied in comparing the effects of treatments, and in finding the relationships between soil fertility and the crop performance. The results indicate that even though the short-term yield has been expanded by a significant margin, organic fertilizers do have an impact on the health of the soil and preserve nutrient availability for a longer period of time. The combination treatment showed the greatest performance overall that suggests combining organic and chemical fertilizers can be used in an optimal way to optimize the wheat productivity and agricultural sustainability to the environment. This study provides some practical information for policy makers, agronomists and farmers for better wheat production while maintaining long term soil fertility in Pakistan.