Effect of different levels of fly ash and nitrogen on growth and productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

A field experiment entitled “Effect of different levels of fly ash and nitrogen on growth and productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.)” was conducted during the kharif season of 2018 at Research Farm, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda (Punjab). The trail was laid out in split plot design with three levels of fly ash viz., 0, 10 and 20 t ha-1 in main plot and five levels of nitrogen viz., 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg N ha-1 in sub plot, replicated thrice. There is a good scope of increasing crop yields through the use of fly ash. It is extremely important for sustaining production and improving the fertility of soils. Fly ash significantly increased the plant growth viz., plant height, dry matter and number of tillers/plant and yield attributing characters viz., number of grains/panicle and test weight and seed cotton yield, straw yield and harvest index in rice. Application of fly ash @ 10 and 20 t/ha recorded 4.80 and 2.27% more grain yield than control. Nitrogen @ 180 kg ha-1 and 150 kg ha-1 resulted in the statistically similar plant growth, yield attributes and grain yield in rice. Nitrogen @ 180 kg N ha-1 and 150 kg N ha-1 recorded 6.97 and 6.19% higher grain yield than 90 kg N ha-1, respectively.