Studies on the effect of foliar fertilization in combination with conventional fertilizers on yield, economics and nutrient uptake of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under K. C. canal ayacut area of Andhra Pradesh, India

Field experiments were conducted during kharif season from 2009 to 2011 to study the effect of foliar fertilization on growth, yield, economics and nutrient uptake of rice. The results indicated that significantly higher grain yield (5611 kgha⁻¹) was recorded with T₅ (RDF + spray 19:19:19 @ 2.5 kgha⁻¹ at tillering and panicle initiation stages + Top dressing of MOP @ 80 kgha⁻¹ at panicle initiation stage). Top dressing of complex fertilizers did not increase the grain yield of paddy significantly compared to T₂-RDF (160:80:80N:P₂O₅:K₂O kg/ha). Gross returns and net returns were highest with T₄ (T₃ + Spray of 19:19:19@2.5 kgha⁻¹ at tillering and panicle initiation stages) followed by T₂ RDF (160: 80:80N:P₂O₅:K₂O kg/ha). B:C ratio was higher with RDF (160: 80:80N:P₂O₅:K₂O kg/ha) compared to other treatments where in additional cost was involved for procuring and application of fertilizers.