Effect of establishment method, fertility level and weed-management practices on aromatic rice (Oryza sativa)

An experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2003 and 2004 at Agronomy Research Farm, Allahabad Agricultural Institute-Deemed University to assess the effect of establishment method, fertility level and weed-management practice on rice (Orgza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design, comprising two establishment methods (direct wet seeding and transplanting); three levels of N, P₂O₅ and K₂O, viz. 80: 40: 40; 100: 50: 50 and 120: 60: 60 kg/ha; and four weed-management practices, viz. anilofos @ 0.4 kg a i/ha, butachor @ 1.5 kg a i/ha, two hand-weedings (at 30 and 60 DAS) and a weedy check. These 24 treatments, were replicated thrice. Transplanting method recorded higher grain yield than direct seeding. The yield increased with the increase in fertility level and reached maximum with 120: 60: 60 kg/ha N, P₂O₅ and K₂O/ha. Two hand-weedings registered higher grain and straw yields with respect to weed-management practices. Amongst all the interactions, the maximum grain yield was observed in direct seeded and transplanted plots treated with two hand-weedings and higher fertilizer dose of 120: 60: 60 kg/ha N, P₂O and K₂O₅, and were at par. However, higher net profit and benefit: cost ratio (BCR) were observed in transplanted plots treated with 120: 60: 60 kg/ha N, P₂O and K₂O₅ and anilofos @ 0.4 kg ai/ha. The maximum weed-control efficiency was ob served in transplanted rice, low fertility and anilofos @ 0.4 kg ai/ha treatments. The maximum weed index was observed in weedy check plots.