# Improving Soil Fertility and Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Productivity through Precision Nutrient Management in North Bihar, India

Kamlesh Kumar Singh, Ajeet Kumar, S. K. Singh, Rabindra Prasad, S. K. Gupta, Sunita Kumari

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## To cite this version:

Kamlesh Kumar Singh, Ajeet Kumar, S. K. Singh, Rabindra Prasad, S. K. Gupta, et al., Improving Soil Fertility and Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Productivity through Precision Nutrient Management in North Bihar, India. Research Perspective on Biological Science, 2, BP International, pp.133 - 145, 2025, 978-93-49729-23-0. 10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v2/5194. hal-05047948

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Submitted on 7 Jun 2025

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# Improving Soil Fertility and Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Productivity through Precision Nutrient Management in North Bihar, India

Kamlesh Kumar Singh a++*, Ajeet Kumar b++*, S. K. Singh a++, Rabindra Prasad c, S. K. Gupta d and Sunita Kumari e#

DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v2/5194

**Peer-Review History:**

This chapter was reviewed by following the Advanced Open Peer Review policy. This chapter was thoroughly checked to prevent plagiarism. As per editorial policy, a minimum of two peer-reviewers reviewed the manuscript. After review and revision of the manuscript, the Book Editor approved the manuscript for final publication. Peer review comments, comments of the editor(s), etc. are available here: https://peerreviewarchive.com/review-history/5194

## ABSTRACT

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important agricultural crop growing throughout the world. Over the past few decades, fertilizer consumption in India has increased appreciably. Application of fertilizer nutrients by the farmer without knowing the soil fertility status and nutrient requirements of the crop affects soil quality and production crops adversely. Therefore, the aim of the study is to improve wheat productivity through effective nutrient management strategies. The objective of nutrient management strategies was to achieve the required crop yield in an efficient, economical, and sustainable manner. An on-farm trial was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 at farmers' fields in pre-selected ten locations of Muzaffarpur district in North Bihar, considering farmers as replication, in order to assess the fertilizer application based on soil testing for the yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in North Bihar, India. The experimental field had an average soil pH of 8.60, EC of 0.35 dSm⁻¹, organic carbon of 0.63 percent, nitrogen of 221.33 kg ha⁻¹, phosphorus of 51.71

<footnote>a Department of Soil Science, Tirhut College of Agriculture (TCA), Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur) Bihar - 848125, India.</footnote>

<footnote>b Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities (CBS&H), Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar, India.</footnote>

<footnote>c Department of Entomology, TCA, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur) Bihar - 848125, India.</footnote>

<footnote>d Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Saraiya, Muzaffarpur, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur) Bihar - 848125, India.</footnote>

<footnote>e Department of Agronomy, PGCA, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur) Bihar - 848125, India.</footnote>

<footnote>f Assistant Professor-cum-Scientist;</footnote>

<footnote>g Associate Professor;</footnote>

<footnote>h Corresponding author: E-mail: dr.kamlesh@rpcau.ac.in, ajeet.sri@rpcau.ac.in;</footnote>
kg ha⁻¹ and potassium of 149.98 kg ha⁻¹. The results revealed that nutrient management based on soil testing has a statistically significant impact on yield attributes, yield, and economics. The study also confirmed that soil test-based fertilizer application is not only effective in increasing wheat productivity but also in maintaining soil health and optimizing input costs. The highest grain yield of 34.66 and 30.08 q ha⁻¹ was found significantly in the soil test-based fertilizer application compared to the Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) (N₁₂₀-P₆₀-K₄₀) and Farmers Practice (FP); (30.08 q ha⁻¹). The maximum net return (Rs. 27750 ha⁻¹) and the B: C ratio (2.61) were found in the fertilizer application based on soil test relative to RDF (N₁₂₀-P₆₀-K₄₀) and FP. Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term impact of soil test-based fertilizer (STBF) application on soil health, nutrient balance, and microbial activity across multiple cropping cycles.

Keywords: Crop; fertility; RDF; soil; wheat.

# 1. INTRODUCTION

Soil fertility plays a crucial role in determining the productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum), a staple crop that sustains millions worldwide (Singh et al., 2025). However, conventional farming practices often lead to nutrient imbalances, soil degradation, and reduced yields. Precision nutrient management (PNM) offers a sustainable solution by optimizing nutrient application based on soil conditions, crop requirements, and environmental factors (Meena et al., 2023). By utilizing technologies such as soil testing, remote sensing, and site-specific nutrient application, PNM enhances nutrient efficiency, minimizes losses, and improves wheat productivity (Kumar et al., 2015). Implementing these strategies not only boosts yields but also ensures long-term soil health, making wheat cultivation more resilient and sustainable in the face of global food security challenges (Kumar et al., 2016). Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important agricultural crop growing throughout the world. It has been occupying the largest area in the world among cereals, contributing nearly 30% of the global cereal pool, in which India ranks second in the world, accounting for ~14% of global wheat production (Kumar et al., 2015). The average wheat productivity of India is 2.83 t ha⁻¹ (Singh et al., 2025a). Over the past few decades, fertilizer consumption in India has increased appreciably (Kumar et al., 2024). In spite of that, it is important to ensure the fertility status found at a net negative nutrient balance of a staggering 8-10 million tons per year (Meena et al., 2024), which needs to ensure the production of around 15 million tons by 2025. Application of fertilizer nutrients by the farmer without knowing the soil fertility status and nutrient requirements of the crop affects soil quality and production crops adversely (Ray et al., 2000; Kumar., 2016). In India, during the past three decades, intensive agriculture involving exhaustive high-yielding varieties of rice and wheat uptake with heavy nutrients from the soil requires more and more use of chemical inputs to feed the growing population (Singh et al., 2021). The decline in soil fertility and growth productivity found an imbalance in nutrient content, which is recognized as one of the most important factors that limit crop yield (Singh et al., 2024; Singh et al., 2025a). The continuous adoption of intensive cropping and imbalanced fertilizer use are major
causes of nutrient deficiency, particularly N, P, K, and S (Singh et al., 2024a; Sinha et al., 2024). The fertilizer application at an appropriate time, and in a balanced proportion, following the appropriate technique, has a positive impact on crop yield (Kumar et al., 2025) (Singh et al., 2025a). The targeted yield model' is one of the practical approaches for the efficient use of fertilizers was first given by Troug (1960), which was further modified by Ramamoorthy et al. (1967) as the 'inductive-cum-targeted yield model. Soil test-based fertilizer recommendations for wheat crops can save input costs, save the environment, and at the same time enhance the productivity of these crops (Kumar et al., 2024). Keeping these facts in perspective, the present investigation was taken up to study the soil test-based fertilizer recommendation in the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop of North Bihar. The objective of nutrient management strategies was to achieve the required crop yield in an efficient, economical, and sustainable manner. Soil fertility and other agronomic practices are crucial in determining the economic return and quality of wheat.

## 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

On-farm testing experiments were carried out during the Rabi seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Muzaffarpur (Bihar), on randomly pre-selected 10 farmers fields as replication, and each replication have plot size of 300 m². The study area is confined to the Muzaffarpur district that lies between 24°54' to 26°23' N latitudes and 84°53' to 85°53' E longitudes at 51.81 m above mean sea level (Fig. 1) consisting of Indo-Gangetic North-West Alluvial Plains of North Bihar, India (Kumar et al., 2024a) (Singh et al., 2025a). The study area contains a tropical humid to sub-humid climate, with an average rainfall of 1234 mm, an average temperature of 25 to 30°C, and relative humidity of 67 per cent. The nature of the soil in the experimental site was sandy loam to loam in texture, and calcareous in nature (Singh et al., 2024). The experiment comprising three treatments includes viz. T₀-farmers practice, T₁-recommended dose of fertilizer (N₁₂₀-P₆₀-K₄₀ kg ha⁻¹) and T₃-Soil Test-based fertilizer (Singh et al., 2025a). Prior to laying out the trial, the initial soil samples were collected from each farmer's field separately and analyzed for various chemical properties viz. available nitrogen by the alkaline potassium permanganate method (Subbiah and Asija, 1956); available phosphorus was extracted using the 0.5 M NaHCO₃ extractable assess using spectrophotometer instrument (Olsen et al., 1954), similarly, available potassium was measured followed prescribed method (Jackson, 1973). The treatment was applied in an equally marked plot as dose a full dose of phosphorus and potassium was applied as basal while nitrogen was applied in three splits, i.e. 50 per cent basal and 25 per cent each at crown root initiation and maximum tillering stage. Test crop 'HD-2733' was grown (Singh et al., 2025a). The required observations like No. of effective tillers/sq m, Test weight, Grain yield, Straw yield, Biological yield and harvest Index (HI) were taken and data recorded during the experimental period were analyzed statistically in a randomized block design (RBD).
<figure><img src="image_3.png" /><figcaption>Fig. 1. Location map of the study area in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar</figcaption></figure>

# 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

## 3.1 Chemical Properties of the Soil

### 3.1.1 Soil pH and Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC)

The soil pH is an important parameter which analyzed to help in the identification of the chemical nature of the soil reaction (Meena et al., 2023) as it measures hydrogen ion concentration in the soil to indicate its acidic and alkaline nature. The pH of the soil samples is presented in Table 1 (Singh et al., 2025a). The value of soil pH in the experimental site ranged from 8.59 to 8.62 with a mean of 8.60, indicating throughout alkaline in nature. The electrical conductivity (dSm⁻¹) of soil indicates the total soluble salts present in the soil depicting the salinity/alkalinity of soils. The lesser the EC value, the lower the salinity value of the soil and vice-versa and the result showed that the EC of the study area ranged from 0.35 to 0.36 dSm⁻¹ with a mean of 0.35 dSm⁻¹ showed less affecting the crop growth. The finding is in conformity with the work of Kumar et al., (2021).

### 3.1.2 Organic Carbon (OC)

Soil organic carbon is important properties not only, in general, influences the physico-chemical properties of soils but particularly affects the availability of nutrients, cation exchange capacity, soil structure, C: N ratio, and C: N:S ratio, etc., which are well recognized (Singh et al., 2025a). Carbon is an indispensable necessity for soil fertility because it is strongly correlated with nitrogen and fuels the microbial engine that drives the nitrogen cycles (Kumar et al., 2014a; Kumar et al., 2024b). The OC of the soil samples ranged from 0.62 to 0.65% with a mean of 0.63% given in Table 1 (Singh et al., 2025a).
<table><caption>Table 1. Physico-chemical property and nutrient status of experimental soil (Pooled data of 2 years)</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">Treatments</th><th colspan="6">Nutrient status</th></tr><tr><th>pH</th><th>EC (dSm<sup>-1</sup>)</th><th>OC (%)</th><th>KMnO<sub>4</sub>-N (kg ha<sup>-1</sup>)</th><th>Olsen-P (kg ha<sup>-1</sup>)</th><th>NH<sub>4</sub>OAc-K (kg ha<sup>-1</sup>)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>T<sub>0</sub>-FP</td><td>8.59</td><td>0.35</td><td>0.62</td><td>217.00</td><td>50.67</td><td>144.08</td></tr><tr><td>T<sub>1</sub>-RDF (N<sub>120</sub>:P<sub>60</sub>:K<sub>40</sub>)</td><td>8.60</td><td>0.35</td><td>0.63</td><td>220.50</td><td>51.70</td><td>149.93</td></tr><tr><td>T<sub>3</sub>-STBF</td><td>8.62</td><td>0.36</td><td>0.65</td><td>227.50</td><td>52.75</td><td>155.93</td></tr><tr><td>C D (P=0.05)</td><td>NS</td><td>NS</td><td>NS</td><td>NS</td><td>NS</td><td>NS</td></tr><tr><td>Mean</td><td>8.60</td><td>0.35</td><td>0.63</td><td>221.33</td><td>51.71</td><td>149.98</td></tr></tbody></table>

FP-Farmers practice, RDF-Recommended dose of fertilizer, STBF- Soil test-based fertilizer

<table><caption>Table 2. Effect of Soil-based fertilizer application on dry matter production (Pooled data of 2 years)</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">Treatments</th><th colspan="3">Yield attributes</th><th colspan="3">Yield q ha<sup>-1</sup></th></tr><tr><th>No. of effective tillers/sq m</th><th>Test wt. (100-grain wt.)</th><th>Grain yield</th><th>Straw yield</th><th>Biological yield</th><th>HI (%)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>FP</td><td>75.19</td><td>28.57</td><td>30.08</td><td>61.47</td><td>91.55</td><td>32.87</td></tr><tr><td>RDF (N<sub>120</sub>:P<sub>60</sub>:K<sub>40</sub>)</td><td>78.72</td><td>29.52</td><td>32.80</td><td>66.60</td><td>99.30</td><td>33.02</td></tr><tr><td>STBF</td><td>79.71</td><td>29.80</td><td>34.66</td><td>68.51</td><td>102.04</td><td>33.41</td></tr><tr><td>SEm<sup>±</sup></td><td>0.34</td><td>0.05</td><td>0.06</td><td>0.46</td><td>0.80</td><td>0.11</td></tr><tr><td>C D (P=0.05)</td><td>1.02</td><td>0.14</td><td>0.18</td><td>1.35</td><td>2.39</td><td>0.34</td></tr></tbody></table>

FP-Farmers practice, RDF-Recommended dose of fertilizer, STBF- Soil test-based fertilizer
<table><caption>Table 3. Effect of Soil test based fertilizer on economics (Pooled data of 2 years)</caption><thead><tr><th>Treatments</th><th>Cost of cultivation (Rs. ha<sup>-1</sup>)</th><th>Gross return (Rs. ha<sup>-1</sup>)</th><th>Net return (Rs. ha<sup>-1</sup>)</th><th>B:C ratio</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>FP</td><td>17000.00</td><td>33000.00</td><td>16000.00</td><td>1.94</td></tr><tr><td>RDF (N<sub>120</sub>:P<sub>60</sub>:K<sub>40</sub>)</td><td>17500.00</td><td>41250.00</td><td>23750.00</td><td>2.34</td></tr><tr><td>STBF</td><td>18000.00</td><td>45750.00</td><td>27750.00</td><td>2.61</td></tr><tr><td>CD (P=0.05)</td><td>NA</td><td>NA</td><td>NA</td><td>NA</td></tr></tbody></table>
### 3.1.3 Available KMnO₄-N, available Olsen-P, and available NH₄OAc-K

The result for the available KMnO₄-N presented in Table 1 shows that the distribution of the available KMnO₄-N ranged from 217.00 to 225.50 kg N ha⁻¹ with a mean of 221.33 kg N ha⁻¹. The nitrogen falls under the low category range. This might be due to the low decomposition of organic matter in the soil and lesser microbial activity (Kumar et al., 2024a; Sinha et al., 2025). Phosphorus is an important element available in biological systems which constitutes more than 1% of the dry organic weight. Affecting plant growth and is found in soil in both organic and inorganic forms (Kumar et al., 2014). The extractable available Olsen-P obtained in the study area ranges from 50.67 to 52.75 kg P ha⁻¹ with a mean value of 51.71 kg P ha⁻¹ shown in Table 1. Soil from agricultural fields with a high range of available phosphorus content in the study area may be perhaps supplemented by applying phosphorus-rich fertilizers in high amounts as required for a specific crop (Kumar et al., 2024c). The data obtained for the available NH₄OAc-K presented in Table 1 reveals the distribution of the available potassium ranged from 144.08 to 155.93 kg ha⁻¹ with a mean of 149.98 kg ha⁻¹. It showed that the range of potassium amounted to medium range. Its availability can be enhanced by using microbial inoculants as reported by Kumar, et al., (2014), (Kumar and Kumar, 2017; Kumar et al., 2024d).

### 3.2 Yield Attributes and Yield

The observations taken in terms of effective tillers and test weight of the wheat crop were improved significantly due to the application of soil test-based fertilizer over the rest of the treatments (Table 2) (Singh et al., 2025a). Whereas minimum values of the aforesaid character are associated with RDF, i.e., N₁₂₀-P₆₀-K₄₀ and FP of experimentation. The yield and attributes of wheat were obtained investigation depicted in Table 2 (Singh et al., 2025a). A significantly higher grain, straw, and biological yield was recorded where nutrients were used on the soil test-based fertilizer method (Singh et al., 2023), which was found significantly superior to RDF and FP. The input used as integrated plant nutrient management has assumed great importance for soil productivity and boosting yield (Paswan et al., 2014; Sinha et al., 2024 Swarup, 2010, Singh et al., 2025a). The soil test-based fertilizer application treatment recorded the highest harvest index (33.41%), while the lowest value was associated with FP (32.87%) the finding is in conformity with the work of Kumar and Singh., (2022), Ramjas et al., (2024).

### 3.3 Economics

The economics of yield among all the treatments, maximum net return (Rs. 27750.00 ha⁻¹) and B: C ratio in the treatment T₃, however, minimum net return (Rs. 16000 ha⁻¹) and B: C ratio were obtained with treatment T₁ (Farmers Practice). The data reveals the markedly higher production recorded because nutrients applied as soil test-based (Singh et al., 2025a). Similar findings were recorded by Singh et al., (2017); Singh et al., (2022).
## 4. CONCLUSION

The present study highlights the significant benefits of soil test-based fertilizer (STBF) application in improving the yield and economic returns of wheat cultivation in North Bihar. The STBF treatment recorded the highest grain yield (34.66 q ha⁻¹), straw yield (68.51 q ha⁻¹), and biological yield (102.04 q ha⁻¹), which were significantly superior to both the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and farmers' practice (FP). The highest net return (Rs. 27,750 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost (B: C) ratio of 2.61 were also achieved under the STBF treatment, demonstrating its economic advantage. Soil test-based nutrient management ensured a balanced and efficient supply of nutrients, leading to improved nutrient use efficiency and enhanced crop performance (Singh et al., 2025a). The practice of split nitrogen application at different growth stages further contributed to increased nutrient uptake and better crop response. The study confirms that soil test-based fertilizer application is not only effective in increasing wheat productivity but also in maintaining soil health and optimizing input costs. Therefore, adopting soil test-based nutrient management can serve as a sustainable strategy to enhance wheat production, improve farm profitability, and ensure long-term soil fertility.

## 5. RECOMMENDATION

Based on the findings, it is recommended that farmers adopt soil test-based fertilizer (STBF) application methods as it has demonstrated higher grain yield (34.66 q ha⁻¹), straw yield (68.51 q ha⁻¹), and biological yield (102.04 q ha⁻¹) compared to the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and farmers' practice (FP), ensuring a balanced nutrient supply and improved nutrient use efficiency. Organizing training programs and workshops to educate farmers on soil testing and balanced fertilization will enhance awareness and adoption. Developing region-specific fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results can further optimize nutrient use and increase productivity. Improving soil health through the incorporation of organic matter like compost and farmyard manure will enhance nutrient availability and soil structure (Singh et al., 2025a). Encouraging split nitrogen application (50% at basal, 25% at crown root initiation, and 25% at maximum tillering stage) can improve nutrient uptake and crop performance. Regular monitoring and management of soil pH (mean 8.60) and EC (mean 0.35 dSm⁻¹) are essential to maintain soil health, with corrective measures like gypsum application where necessary. Since STBF recorded the highest net return (Rs. 27,750 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost (B: C) ratio of 2.61, promoting this approach will not only increase productivity but also improve farmers' profitability. Policy support and subsidies for soil testing and balanced fertilization should be provided to encourage wider adoption of STBF practices, ensuring sustainable crop production and enhanced economic returns.

## 6. FUTURE SCOPE OF STUDY

Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term impact of soil test-based fertilizer (STBF) application on soil health, nutrient balance, and microbial
activity across multiple cropping cycles. Optimizing fertilizer doses for different wheat varieties, soil types, and environmental conditions will help enhance yield and nutrient use efficiency. Studies on the effect of STBF on the nutritional quality of wheat grains, including protein content and micronutrient composition, can provide valuable insights into improving food quality. Assessing the environmental benefits of STBF, such as reduced nutrient leaching, minimized soil degradation, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, will strengthen the case for sustainable farming practices. Integrating soil test-based recommendations with precision agriculture technologies like GPS mapping and remote sensing could improve targeted nutrient management. Economic feasibility studies at a larger scale, along with an analysis of adoption rates, will help identify barriers to implementation and suggest solutions. Research on crop rotation and diversification under STBF regimes can determine its adaptability across various cropping patterns. Developing decision support tools, such as mobile and web-based platforms, will enable farmers to receive real-time nutrient recommendations. Exploring the potential of combining organic and bio-fertilizers with soil test-based management can further enhance soil health and crop yield. Finally, participatory research involving farmers will provide ground-level feedback, helping to refine and improve STBF recommendations for better acceptance and implementation.

## DISCLAIMER (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE)

Author(s) hereby declare that NO generative AI technologies such as Large Language Models (ChatGPT, COPILOT, etc.) and text-to-image generators have been used during the writing or editing of this manuscript.

## COMPETING INTERESTS

Authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

## REFERENCES

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Meena S.K., Kumar Ajeet, Rana Lalita, Suman S.N. and Singh A.K. (2023)
Chapter No.:25: Strategies for Effective fertilization and nutrient
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*Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology*, 28(3): 606-613, 2025.

DOI: 10.9734/jabb/2025/v28i32119

Available:https://journaljabb.com/index.php/JABB/article/view/2119

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