Effect of major nutrient fertilization on soil nutrient status and performance of Basmati rice in sub-tropical condition

Aromatic rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars respond differently to nitrogen application as compared to non aromatic rice. Most of the aromatic rice cultivars are susceptible to diseases, insect-pest attack and are prone to lodging. Therefore nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are key input for increasing the productivity of aromatic rice. Research analyzing the effect of NPK levels on yield and quality characteristics of fine rice cultivar Pusa Basmati 1121 under sub-tropical conditions of Jammu is not well documented. Therefore, the present study was conducted to optimise NPK levels for higher yield and better quality of aromatic rice cultivar. The experiment consisted of combinations of three levels of P and two levels of K in main plots and four levels of N in sub plots, laid out in split plot design. Experimental results revealed that among different NPK levels, application of nitrogen at 60 kg/ha recorded significantly more plant height, grain and straw yield than with 30 kg and 40 kg/ha of N, but was at par with 50 kg/ha of N. Quality parameters viz. protein content was significantly higher at 60 kg/ha of N, but amylose content was highest at 40 kg/ha of N. Uptake of nutrients (N, P & K) was also highest with 60 kg/ha of N. P and K levels although showed non-significant difference, but, P35K15 recorded numerically higher grain and straw yield than others levels of P and K. Highest amylose content, protein content as well as nutrient uptake were recorded with P35K15.