Performance of Azophos in Rice (cv. PMK 3) Under Irrigated, Semidry and Rainfed Field Conditions

Field experiments were conducted to study the performance of Azophos (mixed inoculant with nitrogen fixing Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacterium) on rice (cv. PMK 3) under irrigated, semidry and rainfed field conditions at Agricultural Research Station, Paramakudi. The comparative analysis of the biometric observations and yield data revealed that the growth and yield of PMK 3 rice were found to be better with recommended dose of NPK fertilizer application under irrigated condition. However, the effect of inoculation of Azophos/Azospirillum/phosphobacteria on growth, yield and nutrient content of plant and soil was more pronounced than recommended dose of NPK fertilizer application under semidry and rainfed conditions. The results suggested the positive influence of Azophos/Azospirillum/phosphobacteria inoculation on the growth and yield of rice crop in the water stress situation imposed by the semidry and rainfed field conditions