Comparison of different planting methods and physiological studies for yield enhancement in rice

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Annamalai University Experimental Farm, Annamalainagar, during Samba season 2017 (August-November) to evaluate different methods of rice cultivation along with certain levels of nutrients and sources, on its growth and yield parameter. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design. The planting methods was assigned to main plots while, different levels and sources of nutrients to the sub plots. Two planting methods viz., (M1) wet seeded method and (M2) transplanting method were tried. The sub treatments were, Control (No manure) (S1), Recommended dose of fertilizer (120:38:38 N, P and K kg ha-1) (S2), RDF (120:38:38 N, P and K kg ha-1) + Pressmud (5 tonns ha-1) + zinc sulphate (25 kg ha-1) (S3), RDF (120:38:38 N, P and K kg ha-1) + Azospirillum bracilance @ 2 kg ha-1 as a soil application + zinc sulphate (25 kg ha-1) (S4), RDF (120:38:38 N, P and K kg ha-1) + pressmud (5 tonns ha-1) + Azospirillum bracilance @ 2 kg ha-1 as a soil application + zinc sulphate (25 kg ha-1) (S5).The results of the study revealed that, among the main plot treatments, i.e., various levels of crop establishment, transplanting method recorded significantly higher growth rate than compare to direct seeded method of planting. Among different sources and levels, i.e., five sub plot treatments, large variation were noticed RDF (120:38:38 N, P and K kg ha-1) + pressmud (5 tonns ha-1) + Azospirillum bracilance @ 2 kg ha-1 as a soil application + zinc sulphate (25 kg ha-1) (S5) recorded higher growth and yield attributing characters compared to the rest of the treatments, yet, it was found on par with (S3).