Effect of fly ash seed pelleting on growth, photosynthesis and yield in rice under aerobic condition

Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of fly ash seed pelleting in rice under aerobic agriculture which can be recommended for better crop growth and establishment. The study was conducted with three concentrations viz., 200, 250 and 300g per kg of seed. Observations on growth and yield parameters viz., plant height, dry matter production, leaf area, root weight, number of productive tillers/plant, number of grains/panicle, 1000 grain weight, and single plant yield were recorded. Gas exchange parameters viz., net photosynthetic rate, leaf transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO₂ concentration were also recorded. The experimental results revealed that aerobic rice seeds treated with fly ash @ 250 g kg⁻¹ performed better due to increased growth, gas exchange parameters and seed yield.