Research experiences towards 4r stewardship-based phosphorus fertilization in rice -A review

Plant growth is highly dependent on the timely and throughout season availability of essential nutrients. Next to nitrogen, phosphorus (P) is a very important essential element required in large quantities for normal plant growth and development. Need based nutrient application approach by following 4R nutrient stewardship (right rate, right time, right place, right source) will ensure higher yield, nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, and increase the farm income without causing much damage to the environment. Though usage of phosphorus in rice is quite high, 4R stewardship based research on this nutrient is very scarce; though scattered research on different aspects of P application is available. Hence, an attempt was made in this paper to compile and consolidate most of the available research results from the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) and also by other researchers on various aspects of P fertilisation in rice.