Effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity and quality of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The effect of integrated nutrient management on aromatic rice var. basmati-370 was studied. Treatments included 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF:80:40:40 NPK), 75% RDF, and 75% RDF in combination with pelleted form of organic manure (0.4 t ha-1), organic manure rich with humus (0.1 t ha-1), Karanja (Pongamia pinna) cake (0.6 t ha-1), neem seed powder (0.8 t ha-1), FYM (4.0 t ha-1) and crop residue (3.8 t ha-1). All the organic manures applied at the time of land preparation. Supply of inorganic sources of nutrient in conjunction with organic sources significantly increased grain yield (21.2–76.8%) over sole inorganic application. The highest grain yield of rice (2.83 t ha-1) registered under integrated use of 75% RDF + pelleted form of organic manure. It was closely followed by the grain yield (2.56 t ha-1) obtained with the application of 75% RDF + neem seed powder. However, sole chemical fertilizer addition produced lower grain yield (1.6 t ha-1) compared to combined use of organic and inorganic sources. Further considerable improvement in grain quality was recorded under the treatments of integrated nutrient supply. Uptake of N, P and K was improved up to 54.6, 72.3 and 28.3% respectively with the integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizer compared to RDF. Under integrated nutrient management considerable build up of soil fertility status (N, P and K content) was observed. This furnished the possibility of replacing 25% RDF through pelleted form of organic manure or neem seed powder or FYM for sustainable production, improving quality and fertility build up of soil.