Evaluation of establishment methods and NPK levels in rice and their impact on succeeding crops

Field experiments were conducted during August, 1995 - April, 1996 for evaluating different sowing/planting methods of rice under two levels of NPK fertilizers to find out suitable crop for rice fallows. The results revealed that line planting along with higher fertilizer dose of 150:75:75 kg N, P₂O₅ and K₂O ha⁻¹ favourably increased the growth and yield components of rice. Crop nutrient uptake, grain and straw yield were also markedly influenced. In respect of rice fallow crops, different methods of sowing/planting adapted to rice did not exert any Influence on succeeding crop yield. Higher level of fertilizers had an impact on yield of all sequentiat crops raised in rice fallows. Among the sequential crops, soybean performed better than others. Blackgram was the next best. When treatments interactions were considered, high level of fertilizer applied to rice viz., 150:75:75 kg N, P₂O₅ and K₂O ha⁻¹ significantly enhanced yield of succeeding blackgram. Rice-soybean gave highest crop yield and the rice-blackgram system fetched highest return rupee⁻¹ invested.