Soil Nutrient Dynamics and Agronomic Strategies for Sustainable Wheat Production

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a cornerstone of global food security, yet sustaining its productivity is increasingly challenged by soil degradation, nutrient imbalances, and climate change. This review synthesizes current knowledge on soil nutrient dynamics and agronomic strategies that underpin sustainable wheat production. Macronutrients (N, P, K), secondary nutrients (S), and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, B, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni) play critical roles in plant physiology, grain quality, and human nutrition, while soil biology particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhances nutrient mobilization and stress resilience. Key constraints such as salinity, acidity, compaction, and organic matter loss undermine soil fertility and yield potential. Integrated nutrient management (INM), organic amendments, biofertilizers, precision fertilization, conservation tillage, crop rotations, and biostimulants offer pathways to improved nutrient use efficiency and environmental sustainability. Emerging technologies, including precision agriculture, remote sensing, IoT-based monitoring, and smart farming, provide opportunities to optimize resource use, while genetic innovations support the development of nutrient-efficient and stress-resilient wheat cultivars. Climate change additionally makes nutrient cycle more complex. Therefore, farmers require policies to adapt the agronomic practices.  Remaining of research gaps for long term effects of organic, inorganic, biochar and cost-efficient precision technologies which to addresses these gaps that is important for developing resilient wheat production. This will help to secure world’s food supply chain.