Single Compost Application Benefits for Organic Dryland Wheat Production

Authors

Shikha Sharma
Matt Yost, Utah State UniversityFollow
Earl Creech, Utah State UniversityFollow
Jennifer R. Reeve, Utah State UniversityFollow
Astrid R. Jacobson, Utah State UniversityFollow
Idowu Ademola Atoloye, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Factsheet

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

12-2-2025

First Page

1

Last Page

7

Abstract

This research highlights the long-term value of compost in dryland wheat systems, where water scarcity and declining soil fertility limit productivity. A single, high-rate compost application (22 tons per acre) can improve soil moisture content, organic carbon content, aggregate stability, and microbial activity. All these benefits contributed to higher and more stable wheat yields, even more than two decades after application. These changes help to make the compost-treated wheat more resilient during dry years. While composting incurs a high upfront cost, its long-term benefits can significantly reduce the need for repeated fertilizer or soil amendments, offering cost and labor savings over time.

Recommended Citation

Sharma, S., Yost, M., Creech, E., Reeve, J., Jacobsen, A., & Atoloye, I. (2025). Single compost application benefits for organic dryland wheat production [Fact sheet]. Utah State University Extension.