Influence of zinc nutrition and green leaf manuring on dry matter yield, nutrient uptake and economics of rice cultivation

Field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2015–2016 to study the potential of zinc nutrition and green leaf manuring on dry matter production, nutrient uptake and available soil nutrients and economics of rice. Application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (NPK 150:50:50) + green leaf manure (GLM) @ 6.25 t ha⁻¹ + ZnSO„ @ 12.5 kg/ha as basal + 1.0% foliar spray of ZnSO„ increased the N, P, K and Zn uptake and registered higher values of dry matter yield. Soil available nutrients after harvest of the crop was higher under the application of 100% RDF + GLM @ 6.25 t ha⁻¹ + 0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO„. The higher net return and benefit cost ratio were with application of 100% RDF + GLM @ 6.25 t/ha + ZnSO„ @ 12.5 kg ha⁻¹ as basal + Foliar spray of ZnSO„ @ 1.0%. The 100% RDF registered the lower gross and net return.