Integrated nutrient management in rice (Oryza sativa)

A field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2010 and 2011 on a sandy loam soil at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to identify an appropriate integrated nutrient management practice in rice (Oryza sativa L.) for higher productivity, profitability and soil health. Rice grown with recommended dose of nitrogen through inorganic fertilizer (RDN) produced only 2% higher grain yield compared with the best integrated nutrient management treatment i.e. 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizer and 25% N through carpet waste + cow dung slurry + Pleurotus sajor + Azotobacter + PSB + Trichoderma + enriched with S and Zn. The uptake of N, P and K by rice grown with inorganic fertilizer was 3.08%, 5.92% and 2.79%, respectively higher than enriched carpet waste. Among the organic manures, higher gross and net returns were obtained under 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizer and 25% N through enriched carpet waste. The maximum organic carbon, available N, P and K were recorded from the plots receiving 50% RDN through inorganic fertilizer and 50% N through organic manure. The results indicated that 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizer and 25% nitrogen through carpet waste + cow dung slurry + Pleurotus sajor + Azotobacter + PSB + Trichoderma + Enrichment with S and Zn was the most appropriate organic nutrient management system for higher productivity and profitability with better soil health on long term basis.