PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) VARIETIES UNDER INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN THE MANIPUR VALLEY ECOSYSTEM

Abstract

Background: Wheat productivity in the Manipur Valley is constrained by acidic soils, declining nutrient-use efficiency, and the excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers. Integrated nutrient management (INM), combining organic and inorganic nutrient sources, has the potential to enhance crop productivity while sustaining soil health. This study evaluated the performance of wheat varieties under different nutrient management practices to identify the most productive and economically viable combination for the region. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2022–23 and 2023–24 at the Experimental Farm of the College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Iroishemba, Manipur. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Five nutrient management practices were evaluated: recommended dose of fertilizers (M₁), 50% RDF with nano urea sprays (M₂), farmyard manure at 16 t ha⁻¹ (M₃), 50% RDF + FYM at 8 t ha⁻¹ (M₄), and natural farming using Jeevamrutham and Beejamrutham (M₅). Three wheat varieties, HS-542 (V₁), HS-562 (V₂), and HD-3226 (V₃), were tested. Growth, yield attributes, yield, and economic parameters were recorded and analyzed statistically.  Results: Among the varieties, HS-542 (V₁) recorded the highest grain yield (2163.21 kg ha⁻¹), stover yield (4153.80 kg ha⁻¹), spike length (9.36 cm), spikelets per ear (18.91), and filled grains per ear (46.55). Nutrient management significantly influenced crop performance, with M₁ producing the highest grain yield (2639.93 kg ha⁻¹), stover yield (4835.24 kg ha⁻¹), harvest index (35.14%), and test weight (42.58 g), while M₄ performed comparably. The interaction V₁M₁ recorded the maximum grain yield (2969.55 kg ha⁻¹), net return (₹70,296.54 ha⁻¹), and benefit–cost ratio (2.43).  Conclusion: HS-542 combined with the recommended fertilizer dose (V₁M₁) was the most productive and profitable treatment. However, integrated nutrient management (M₄) provided comparable productivity and represents a sustainable option for enhancing wheat production and maintaining soil fertility in the Manipur Valley.