Effect of sources and methods of nitrogen application on growth, yield and N uptake of transplanted lowland rice (Oryza sativa) and their residual effect on succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted during 1998–2000 on silty-clay soil at University research farm, Pusa (Bihar), to evaluate the relative efficiency of few slow-release N fertilizers, viz. prilled urea (PU), Mussoorie rock phosphate-coated urea (MRPU), nimin-coated urea (NCU) and large granulated urea (LGU) with basal and split application in transplanted lowland rice (Oryza sativaL.) and their effect on succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.). Modified urea fertilizers exhibited their superiority by recording significantly higher valueof all the yield-contributing characters, nitrogen uptake and significantly higher grain yield than prilled urea, irrespective of their methods of application. Maximum grain and straw yields of wheat were recorded under NCU which was significantly superior to the control and prilled urea and comparable with other sources of N.