Effect of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on growth, yield and economics of aromatic rice (Oryza sativa) in Gangetic delta of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted at the Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Jaguli, Nadia, West Bengal, during rainy season (kharif) 2019, to study the effect of different nutrient sources on growth, yield and economics of scented rice (Oryza sativa L.). Among 9 treatments, integrated nutrient management (FYM 4 t + N₂₀P₁₀K₁₀ kg/ha) led to the maximum tiller production (345.4 /m²) at 56 days after transplanting (DAT), the highest leaf-area index (LAI) (2.90) and dry-matter production (596.2 g/m²) at 84 DAT. Chemical fertilizer-based nutrition (N₄₀P₂₀K₂₀ kg/ha) resulted in the maximum plant height (125.0 cm) at harvesting and grain yield (2.57 t/ha), being at par with FYM 4 t + N₂₀P₁₀K₁₀ kg/ha (2.53 t/ha). Plants in LCC-based N-fertilized plots had moderate grain yield (2.18 t/ha) and least lodging tendency (score 2.3). Chemical fertilizer-based nutrition could record the maximum yield (2.57 t/ha), net income (42,126/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.02); but integrated nutrient management (FYM 4 t + N₂₀P₁₀K₁₀ kg/ha) might be an alternative option for sustainable cultivation (2.53 t/ha, 38,069.50/ha and 1.86) in lower Gangetic plains of West Bengal.