Evaluation of nitrogen application and municipal solid waste compost on wheat yield in a calcareous soil

Aims: Achieving sustainable agricultural production, maintaining soil fertility, and reducing environmental hazards are the main challenges to providing food security in countries with growing populations. In the direction of sustainable crop production, this study examined the impact of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost with nitrogen fertilizer (N-fertilizer) on wheat yield. Materials Methods: The nine treatments were organized by a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The following were the treatments: N-fertilizer at 0, 100, and 200 kg.ha-1 and composting waste at 0, 10, and 20 t.ha-1. At maturity, the components of wheat yield were measured. Findings: The experiment’s results showed that the effect of MSW compost with N-fertilizer and their interaction on grain yield and biological function were significant. The highest 1000-grain weight (40.00 gr) and biomass yield (13833 kg.ha-1) were obtained using 20 t.ha-1 of compost with 200 kg.ha-1 N (C20N200 treatment) while the highest harvest index (HI)(52.7) and grain yield (7000 kg.ha-1) were in treated soil with 20 t.ha-1 of compost and 100 kg.ha-1 N (C20N100 treatment). Also, the highest grain protein (11.93 %) was in treated soil with 10 t.ha-1 of compost and 200 kg.ha-1 N (C10N200 treatment). Conclusion: The results showed that applying these treatments increases wheat yield, indicating that MSW compost and N-fertilizer can increase plant growth. The main issues with using MSW compost in agricultural soils are the presence of soluble salts and macro-micronutrient buildup. Given Iran’s long history of dry and semi-arid climates, keeping an eye on the amount of salt added to the soil due to the application of organic waste is crucial.