The goal of this study is to identify the optimum NPK fertilization to maximize yield and productivity under local environmental constraints. To address this concern, a field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the rabi seasons of 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments consisted of five Chinese wheat hybrids (18A-1, JM-1215, JM-1683, JM-1216, H-1) and one Australian hybrid (WS-1) with two local checks (Wadan-17 and Pirsabak-15) and two NPK levels, i.e., basal dose (120-90-60 NPK kg ha⁻¹) and 25% higher than basal dose (150-112-75 NPK kg ha⁻¹). The results of the two years’ experimentation exhibited that wheat hybrid WS-1 produced higher tillers (444 and 423 m⁻²), leaf area (32.7 and 30.7 cm²), leaf area index (5.0 and 5.4), plant height (105.3 and 103.1 cm), spike length (21.9 and 21.5 cm), spikes (329 and 322 m⁻²), grains spike⁻¹ (59 and 58), thousand grain weight (62.2 and 62.2 g) and biological yield (9769 and 9906 kg ha⁻¹) as compared to local check varieties. Wheat hybrids WS-1, JM-1683, H-1 and 18A1 produced 31%, 27%, 26% and 26% higher grain yield than local check Pirsabak-15, respectively, while a higher harvest index (61 and 59%) was noted for JM-1683 in both years. Application of NPK at the rate of 150-112-75 kg ha⁻¹ increased emergence (87 m⁻²), tillers (421 and 407 m⁻²), leaf area (23 and 20.5 cm²), leaf area index (3.3), plant height (98.2 and 96.9 cm), spike length (15.9 and 16.3 cm), spikes (317 and 314 m⁻²), grains spike⁻¹ (43), thousand grain weight (56.5 and 56.3 g), biological yield (9057 and 9163 kg ha⁻¹) and grain yield (3702 and 3778 kg ha⁻¹) compared to the lower level of NPK (120-90-60 kg ha⁻¹). It is concluded that Chinese wheat hybrid JM-1683 and Australian hybrid WS-1 responded better to the higher level of NPK (150-112-75 kg ha⁻¹) in terms of grain yield and its components and are therefore recommended for the agro-climatic condition of the Peshawar valley.

To address concerns relating soil degradation, this research explores how phosphorus (P) and farmyard manure (FYM) can rejuvenate soil health, boost microbial and enzyme activity, and enhance durum wheat productivity at local farm near ARI Tarnab-Peshawar in 2020-21 and 2021-22. The trail followed randomized complete block design with split plot arrangements having FYM and control in main plots and P doses in subplots at 30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1 along with a control. Significant improvements were observed 90 and 60 kg P ha-1 producing higher biological and grain yield while 90 kg P ha-1 producing higher P content and uptake in both years. Similarly, FYM application resulted in significantly improved results over control. The synergistic effect of P doses and FYM caused notable improvements in soil organic matter, soil phosphorus and cation exchange capacity. Microbial biomass nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus significantly improved with the application of 60 kg P ha⁻¹, showing no significant difference compared to 90 kg P ha⁻¹, while FYM incorporation over two years also enhanced microbial biomass and soil respiration. Combine effect of P doses and FYM was also positive for phosphatase and glucosidase activity whereas Invertase activity improved regardless of P application. PCA and heatmap analyses further elucidated the positive relationship between 90 kg P ha⁻¹ combined with FYM on soil microbial and enzymatic activities, while 60 kg P ha⁻¹ and FYM was strongly associated with yield improvements in durum wheat. In conclusion, improvement due to the synergy of P and FYM was prominent in durum wheat yield, P uptake along with enhancement in soil bioactivity. Therefore, it is recommended for ameliorating soil health and crop production.