Effect of timing and rate of nitrogen application on productivity of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A study was conducted to optimize N level for higher yield of rice cultivar Pusa Basmati 1121. The study comprised of 13 treatments in randomized complete block design replicated thrice. Nitrogen was applied in two splits (21, 42 days after transplanting - DAT) and three splits (0, 21 and 42 DAT) at rates of 40, 60 and 80 kg ha⁻¹ along with unfertilized control. Pusa Basmati 1121 did not respond to increasing N levels from 40 to 80 kg ha⁻¹ when applied in three splits. The highest grain yield was obtained with 60 kg N ha⁻¹ in three splits i.e. 0, 21 and 42 DAT which was significantly better than the recommended practices. Grain yield at 60 kg ha⁻¹ of N application increased to the extent of 62.9 and 25.5% over control and recommended practice (40 kg N ha⁻¹ at 21 and 42 DAT), respectively. Application of 60 kg N ha⁻¹ in three splits resulted into increase in panicles m⁻² and grains panicle⁻¹ by 66.5 and 33.9% over control and 30.8 and 19% over recommended practice (40 kg N ha⁻¹ in 2 splits), respectively.