Optimizing Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Growth and Yield Through Combined Application of Vermicompost and Sulphur

Abstract

The experiment was carried out at Soil Science Research Field, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh to evaluate different rates of vermicompost, and inorganic S (Sulphur) fertilizer for wheat production in rabi season 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the Soil Science Department Research Field, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh. There were six systematically combined rates of vermicompost and sulfur during the study viz. T1: Control (No fertilizer), T2: 4 t ha⁻¹ VC + 0 kg S ha⁻¹, T3: 3 t ha⁻¹ VC + 3 kg ha⁻¹, T4: 2 t ha⁻¹ VC + 6 kg S ha⁻¹, T5: 1 t ha⁻¹ VC + 9 kg S ha⁻¹, T6: 0 t ha⁻¹ VC + 12 kg S ha⁻¹ which were designed in randomized complete block with three replications. The results asserted that application of 2 t ha⁻¹ vermicompost with 6 kg ha-1 sulfur fertilizers improved significantly grain yield and wheat morphological and physiological characteristics such as plant height, number of tillers per hill⁻¹number of spikes per spike, thousand grain weight, number of grains per spike, spike length and harvest index. The results of the experiments also indicated that vermicompost fertilizer can improve soil productivity and soil quality. The application of such fertilizers also enhances water retention in the soil. Therefore, for sustainable wheat production in the region, a combined dose of 2 t ha⁻¹ vermicompost and 6 kg ha⁻¹ sulfur can be practiced to achieve optimal crop performance while fostering long-term soil fertility.