Evaluating the synergistic effects of integrated nutrient management and foliar application of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) on growth and growth attributes of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

In India, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major cereal crop that accounts for 44.40 million hectares i.e. 30 per cent of the nation's total cultivated land. Nutrient management is one of the most important production restrictions for achieving a sustainable yield from a particular farming method. Ineffective nutrient management is a major problem in rice cultivation. Due to overuse of fertilizer there is loss of soil productivity and reduction in soil fertility. So, this research was conducted with a view of careful and effective use of chemical fertilizers, farm yard manure, vermicompost, press mud and poultry manure along with the foliar application of zinc sulphate, an integrated nutrient management system plays a critical role in balancing the soil fertility and plant nutrient supply to an optimal level. This approach results in an environmentally friendly and financially feasible solution for this issue and not only helps in supplementing requirements but also improves soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties. A field experiment was conducted in the Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu during June-September 2023 to assess the synergistic effects of integrated nutrient management along with foliar zinc sulphate on the growth of rice. The study evaluated nine treatments in a randomized block design. These treatments included varying levels of nitrogen supplemented with different sources of organic manures viz., farm yard manure, vermicompost, press mud and poultry manure and foliar application of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4). The results revealed that combining 75% nitrogen through urea and 25% nitrogen from vermicompost and 100% P and K along with foliar application of zinc sulphate (0.5%) at 25 and 50 days after transplanting (DAT) significantly improved all growth parameters viz., plant height, leaf area index, dry matter production, root length and root volume, number of tillers m-2, crop growth rate, and absolute growth rate of rice.