Effect of organic and nitrogen fertilizers on soil fertility and wheat productivity in a newly reclaimed sandy soil

Abstract EN

Two field experiments were carried out in a newly reclaimed sandy soil under sprinkler irrigation system at El Ismailia Agricultural Research Station, El Ismailia Governorate, Egypt during the winter seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, to study the effect of organic amendment (compost and FYM) under different rates of nitrogen fertilizer (control, 75 and 100 % of recommended dose) on the fertility of study soil and wheat productivity.

The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with three replicates.

Results indicated that 100% of recommended dose followed by 75% significantly increased all determined traits relative to control under the study conditions.

Soil application of compost and FYM was superior for all growth characteristics, grain quality, and yield of wheat plants compared to control (without applications).

The effect of compost or FYM combined with different rates of nitrogen mineral fertilizer increased plant height (cm), weight of 1000 grains (g), Straw yield (Mg acre ^-1), and weight of grains yield (Mg acre^-1).

The application of soil amendments increased N, P, and K concentrations in straw and grains.

Application of organic amendments had a positive significant effect on available N, P, and K in soil.

The interaction between soil amendments and different rates of nitrogen mineral fertilizer showed a significant effect on yield and its attributes, grain protein content, and total carbohydrate.

Finally, it could be concluded that the application of farmyard manure with 75 % nitrogen of recommended dose improved the soil properties of sandy soil and increased the productivity of wheat plants.