Effect of nitrogen, sulphur and zinc application on yield, nutrient uptake and quality of rice

A field experiment was carried out at Fertilizer Research Farm Uttari Pura, C. S. A. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur during 2012 and 2013. The treatments consisted of three levels of nitrogen i. e. 60, 120 and 180 kg N/ha and S 20, 40 and 60 kg/haalong with two levels of Zn 5 and 10 kg/ha, respectively. Application of nitrogen, sulphur and zinc significantly increased grain and straw yield of rice up to 5 kg Zn, 40 kg S and 120 kg N/ha. The yield further increased with increasing levels of N, S and Zn but could not reach up to the level of significance. The maximum grain and straw yield of 61.38 and 86.58 q/ha was recorded at 180 kg N/ha. Application of 40 kg S/ha resulted in a substantial increase in grain and straw yield beyond this increase in yield was non-significant. Application of Zn substantially increased grain and straw yield and maximum grain and straw yield (56.55 and 79.16 q/ha) was recorded with 10 kg Zn/ha but significant increase was noted up to 5 kg Z/ha. The NPKS & Zn uptake increased significantly with the use of nitrogen, sulphur and zinc. Quality of rice like protein starch and amylose content increased with the use of sulphur and zinc and use of nitrogen increased protein and decreased amylose and starch content in rice grain.