Influence of ZN-fertilization on nutrient uptake and soil nutrient dynamics in basmati rice (<em>O. sativa</em> L.)

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the “Effect of zinc ferti-fortification on yield and quality of basmati rice (O. sativa L.) under subtropical region of Jammu” at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Chatha, Jammu during kharif season 2015. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 12 treatments and three replications. The nutrient uptake by rice crop in terms of N, P, K and Zn was significantly influenced by different Zn-fertilization treatments. Significantly highest N, P, K and Zn uptake by grain and straw was recorded with the application of 4% Zn through ZnSO4.7H2O coated urea + 0.2% Zn foliar spray (ZnSO4.7H2O) + recommended P2O5 and K2O. The different zinc fortification treatments showed non-significant effect on soil fertility status after crop harvesting. Our results clearly indicated that application of 4% Zn through ZnSO4.7H2O coated urea + 0.2% Zn foliar spray (ZnSO4.7H2O) + recommended P2O5 and K2O is excellent sources of N and Zn for vital for the nutrient turnover, which improved long-term productivity of Basmati rice.