Response of Nano-fertilizers and Azotobacter on Growth, Yield and Profitability of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Semi-arid Region of Haryana
Abstract
Background: Sustainable wheat production is frequently limited by inefficient nutrient utilization and excessive dependence on conventional fertilizers. Integrating nano-fertilizers with beneficial microorganisms such as Azotobacter offers a promising strategy to improve nutrient availability, crop performance and farm profitability. Therefore, this investigation examined the combined influence of these nutrient-management approaches on wheat grown under the semi-arid conditions of Haryana. Methods: A field investigation was undertaken during the 2023-24 Rabi season at the Agronomy Research Farm of SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana. The study followed a randomized block design comprising seven nutrient-management treatments with three replications. Treatment combinations included the recommended fertilizer dose, Azotobacter seed inoculation and Nano Urea and Nano DAP supplied through seed treatment and foliar application at designated crop growth stages. Result: Among all nutrient management treatments, T3 (100% RDF + Azotobacter) performed best overall, producing the highest plant height (95.20 cm), highest above-ground biomass (1353.33 g m-2), effective tillers (110), spike length (15.43 cm), spikelets per spike (63.33) and test weight (47.90 g). It also achieved the greatest grain (5733 kg ha-1), straw (7277 kg ha-1) and biological yields (13010 kg ha-1), together with the highest net return (₹111,947 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (2.78). Performance achieved with T4 (75% RDF integrated with Azotobacter and foliar Nano Urea and Nano DAP) and T6 (50% RDF supplemented through Nano Urea and Nano DAP seed treatment and foliar application) remained statistically comparable to T3. These findings demonstrate that combining nano-fertilizer technologies with reduced mineral fertilizer inputs can maintain crop productivity, economic returns and nutrient-use efficiency, offering a practical nutrient management approach for wheat cultivation under the semi-arid environment of Haryana.