Allelopathic crop residue mulches improve nitrogen use efficiency and productivity of wheat

A 2-year study was conducted to assess the influence of residue mulches (CRMs)(4 Mg/ha) of three allelopathic crops (wheat, rice and sorghum) and nitrogen sources (urea, calcium ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate) on soil health, nitrogen dynamics and productivity of wheat.

Results show that CRMs improved N uptake, protein contents of grains, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE %), nitrogen harvest index (NHI %) and yield by 8.5, 17.8, 42.6, 33.0 and 29% over control. Application of CRMs with the CAN and urea is effective to improve soil health, attain higher harvests and sustain productivity.