Performance of rice (Oryza sativa) under different planting methods, nitrogen levels and irrigation schedules

A field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2009 and 2010 at Ludhiana, to develop water–saving techniques for production of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment (split-plot) involved methods of planting (fresh bed and puddled flat) and nitrogen levels (75% of recommended N, recommended N–120 kg/ha and 125% of recommended N) in the main plots, and irrigation schedules (irrigation at day 1, day 2 and day 3 after water disappearance and at soil suction of 150±20 cm) in the subplots, with 3 replications. The transplanting of rice on sides of fresh beds resulted in 12.4% saving in total water expense, 11.5% higher water productivity, comparable benefit: cost ratio and a non-significant reduction (4.3%) in grain yield as compared to puddled flat. Nitrogen @120 kg/ha resulted in a significant increase in growth and yield attributes, grain yield (10.5%), water productivity (12.0%) and benefit: cost ratio (14.1%) as compared to 90 kg/ha. The highest grain yield (6.99 t/ha) was obtained with application of irrigation at 1 day after water disappearance and it was statistically at par with irrigation at 2 days after water disappearance (6.87 t/ha) and with irrigation based on soil suction (6.85 t/ha). The interaction between methods of planting and irrigation schedules was significant. The maximum grain yield (7.04 t/ha) was obtained in puddled flat plots irrigated at 1 day after water disappearance, being statistically at par with all other treatment combinations except with beds irrigated at 3 days after water disappearance (6.14 t/ha). Thus, higher crop, water productivity and benefit: cost ratio can be obtained by transplanting rice on the slopes of fresh beds along with application of 120 kg N/ha and irrigation at soil suction of 150±20 cm.