Introduction of composted rock phosphate and poultry manure enhances winter wheat phosphorus use efficiency, grain yield and soil quality

ABSTRACT

This field study evaluates the integrated impact of poultry manure (PM), rock phosphate (RP), composted rock phosphate (CRP) and single super phosphate (SSP) on the growth, yield, and phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) of winter wheat and their effect on postharvest soil characteristics. The seven treatments were as follows: T₁ = control; T₂ = SSP full; T₃ = PM full; T₄ = RP full; T₅ = CRP full; T₆ = 50% SSP + 50% CRP (50:50); T₇ = 50% PM + 50% CRP (50:50) at a recommended P rate of 90 kg ha⁻¹. The combined treatment with PM + CRP produced the highest straw yield of 3582 kg ha⁻¹, grain yield of 2226 kg ha⁻¹, P uptake of 21.3 kg ha⁻¹, and PUE of 18%. The postharvest soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and soil available phosphorus were sig-nificantly higher in integrated treatments.

KEYWORDS:

• integrated P sources
• phosphorus bioavailability
• soil quality
• wheat

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflict or competing interest.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad, Pakistan, via grant “Promotion of Research.” The support of Mr. Ashfaq in the experiment at fieldis highly appreciated.