Response of different cultivars of basmati rice (Oryza sativa) on nutrient uptake and quality parameters under direct seeding

A field experiment was conducted at Student's Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with 12 treatment combinations viz., two basmati cultivars (Pusa Basmati 1121 and Punjab Basmati 2) in main plots and combination of three N rates and two time of application in sub plots (40 kg/ha at 0, 15, 50 DAS, 40 kg/ha at 0, 21, 65 DAS, 60 kg/ha at 0, 15, 50 DAS, 60 kg/ha at 0, 21, 65 DAS, 80 kg/ha at 0, 15, 50 DAS and 80 kg/ha at 0, 21, 65 DAS) with four replications. The findings of the study revealed that the nutrient uptake of rice in Pusa Basmati 1121 was found to be significantly higher than Punjab Basmati 2. It was observed that 60 kg N/ha performed better over recommended 40 kg N/ha when applied in 3 splits (0, 21 and 65 DAS). The soil status after harvest of the soil showed non-significant difference in organic carbon, available P and K except N with varying nitrogen levels. Pusa Basmati 1121 was also better in quality than Punjab Basmati 2 as indicated by its higher hulled rice recovery, milled rice recovery, head rice recovery, grain L:B ratio, water absorption, elongation ratio and cooking co-efficient. The sensory evaluation parameters were significantly better in Pusa Basmati 1121 than Punjab Basmati 2.