Utilization of paddy straw as a source of nutrients for succeeding paddy and its effect on soil available nutrients, nutrient uptake and crop yield

Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu during October 2015 to February 2016 to study the different residue management options for combine harvested rice field and its effect on succeeding rice crop. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with nine treatments replicated thrice. The treatments comprised rice residue without and with additives [25 kg additional N/ha as basal, biomineralizer (2 kg/tonne rice residue) and cow dung slurry (5%)]. Different rice residue management practices exerted significant influence on succeeding rice crop. Incorporation of combine harvested rice residue with 25 kg additional N/ha as basal + biomineralizer (2 kg/tonne of rice residue) and cow dung slurry (5%) recorded higher grain yield of 7, 395 kg and straw yield of 8, 440 kg/ha. Similarly highest plant NPK uptake and higher post harvest soil available NPK were also observed in the same treatment. The lowest crop yield and nutrient uptake were recorded in the treatment incorporation of straw whereas straw incorporated without any additives and the lowest soil available nutrients were recorded in control.