Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Mineral and Organic Fertilizer Application on Resource Efficiency and Ecological Sustainability in Irrigated Wheat Cultivation During 2015–2024
Ali Baghirli 
Abstract. Increasing agricultural productivity while protecting soil and water resources is a major goal of modern agrarian science. The efficient use of mineral and organic fertilizers in irrigated wheat cultivation is crucial for improving yield and maintaining ecological sustainability. Therefore, assessing fertilizer resource-use efficiency is an important scientific problem. The aim of the study is to comparatively assess the impact of the application of mineral and organic fertilizers on resource efficiency and ecological sustainability in wheat cultivation under irrigated conditions based on statistical data for 2015–2024. The study analyzed the amount of mineral and organic fertilizers per hectare of cultivated area, the volume of water consumption for irrigation needs, and the dynamics of water losses. Comparative analysis, descriptive statistics, dynamic series and trend analysis methods were used during data processing. The assessment shows that changes were observed in the level of fertilizer application and water resource use indicators during the studied period. In addition to the important role of mineral fertilizers in increasing productivity, their optimal application from an ecological point of view is necessary. The use of organic fertilizers has a positive effect on the preservation of soil fertility, the improvement of the physical and biological properties of the soil, and the more efficient use of resources. In conditions of high water losses, balanced application of fertilizers and improvement of irrigation systems are of great importance for the formation of sustainable agriculture. The results of the study show that the integrated and scientifically based application of mineral and organic fertilizers, together with the efficient management of water resources, can serve to increase productivity in wheat production, improve resource efficiency, and ensure environmental sustainability. The results obtained are of practical importance for the formation of agrarian policy and the development of sustainable fertilization strategies.
Keywords: wheat, mineral fertilizers, organic fertilizers, irrigation, resource efficiency, environmental sustainability, soil fertility, sustainable agriculture