Integrated Zinc and Boron Fertilization Enhances Growth and Yield of Fine Rice (cv. Binadhan-25)

Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc (Zn) and boron (B), are widespread in the rice-growing regions of Bangladesh, posing a significant barrier to achieving optimal crop productivity. To address this issue, a field experiment was conducted during the Boro season at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, to assess the effects of integrated use of Zn and B on the growth and yield performance of fine rice variety Binadhan-25. The study comprised eleven treatments involving different combinations of basal and foliar applications of Zn and B. It was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Among the treatments, the combined application of 50% Zn and B as basal and 50% as foliar spray showed superior results in terms of plant height (114.66 cm), number of effective tillers hill^-1 (9.89), grain yield (6.98 t ha^-1), straw yield (7.42 t ha^-1), 1000-grain weight (21.88 g), biological yield (14.40 t ha^-1), and harvest index (48.46%). These results were significantly higher than those recorded in the control plots, which showed the poorest performance across most parameters. The findings suggest that integrated application of Zn and B, both as basal and foliar spray, in combination with recommended NPK fertilization, can effectively overcome micronutrient deficiencies and improve rice growth and productivity, offering a practical solution for sustainable rice production.