Yield, quality and economics of Basmati rice as influenced by different organic nutrient management practices

A field study was conducted in Agronomy Research Farm, Central Research Station, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during kharif 2012–13 to study the effect of organic source of nutrients on productivity, profitability and quality of Basmati rice. Application of Azospirillum (10 kg/ha)+ PSM (10 kg/ha) + EM Spray (twice) + neem cake along with 75% N (75% FYM + 25% vermicompost) resulted in the highest grain yield (3, 570 kg/ha) and maximum net returns (Rs.39, 654/ha) and was closely followed by Azospirillum (10 kg/ha)+ PSM (10 kg/ha) + EM Spray (twice) with 75% N (75% FYM + 25% vermicompost). Twenty five per cent organic nitrogen source could be saved by addition of Azospirillum + PSM + EM spray or Azospirillum+ PSM + EM spray + Neem cake without any yield reduction in Basmati rice. Application of 100% N (75% FYM + 25% vermicompost) increased the soil available N (253.48 kg/ha), P₂O₅ (45.46 kg/ha) and K₂O (181.62 kg/ha) content over the initial value of available N (246.21 kg/ha), P₂O₅ (43.38 kg/ha) and K₂O (167.84 kg/ha) after harvest of Basmati rice. It was closely followed by application of Azospirillum (10 kg/ha) + PSM (10 kg/ha) + EM Spray (twice) + neem cake along with 75% N (75% FYM + 25% vermicompost) and Azospirillum (10 kg/ha) + PSM (10 kg/ha) + EM Spray (twice) with 75% N (75% FYM + 25% vermicompost). Thus, both soil fertility and grain quality could be increased by these treatments.