Influence of delayed basal dressing and split application of nitrogen in wet-seeded rice (Oryza sativa)

A field experiment was conducted during samba (September-January) 1998–99 and 1999–2000 to study the effect of skipping basal dressing and split application of nitrogen in wet-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L). Skipping basal N and applying it 21 days after sowing increased the plant height, leaf-area index (LAI) and dry-matter production (DMP). Split application of N in 5 splits promoted these parameters significantly. These treatments increased the yield parameters and yield of wet-seeded rice. Delayed basal application of N at 21 days after sowing (DAS) and fractional application N in 5 splits increased the soil available nutrients and N uptake. Fertilizer-use efficiency, viz. N-use efficiency and recovery fraction, also increased by adopting this method of N application.