Directorate of Research, N.D. University of Agriculture & Technology, Faizabad-224229, U.P.
*Corresponding author's
1Present address: Associate Director of Research, Crop Research Station, Masodha, P.O. Dabhasemar, Distt. Faizabad - 224133, U.P.
Zinc application was found to have ameliorative effects on rice (Oryza sativa L.) in alkali soil. The increase in growth and yield attributes were dose-dependent. Soil application of 10 kg Zn ha−1 was adequate in partially reclaimed alkali soil with initial pH 10.3, exchangeable sodium percentage 85 and electrical conductivity of soil solution (1:2) 2.1 dS m−1. Zinc sulphate proved decidedly superior source of zinc over zinc frits. Zinc application increased chlorophyll and raised the tissue concentration of Zn, Ca, Mg, K and P, whereas Na content decreased. Thus, zinc modified elemental composition of plant tissues favourably and thereby accelerated plant growth and yield.
Alkali soil, chlorophyll, sodic soil, soil amendment, zinc, zinc frit, zinc sulphate
