Effect of foliar application of zinc and iron on nutrient content and their uptake by transplanted rice crop (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

To study the effect of zinc and iron application on nutrient content and their uptake by transplanted rice crop, a field experiment was carried out during the kharif of 2023 at the Research Farm, School of Agriculture, Abhilashi University, Chail Chowk, Mandi (H.P). The experiment was performed in randomized block design with eight treatments and replicated thrice. The different treatment combination were T1= Control (Spray of water), T2= 100% RDF, T3= 100% RDF + Spray of 0.5% ZnSO4, T4= 100% RDF + Spray of 0.3% FeSO4, T5= 100% RDF + Spray of 1% ZnSO4, T6= 100% RDF + Spray of 0.5% FeSO4, T7= 100% RDF + Spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.3% FeSO4 and T8= 100% RDF + Spray of 1% ZnSO4 + 0.5% FeSO4. The study of data revealed that the application of treatment T8 recorded significantly highest nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in grains and straw and uptake of these nutrients by grains and straw and total uptake by transplanted rice crop, which was statistically at par with treatment T7 and T5. Treatment T8 also recorded the highest content of zinc and iron which was statistically on par with treatment T5 and T7 for zinc and T6 and T7 for iron content. Treatment T8 also recorded the uptake of zinc and iron which was at par with treatment T7 and T5 for zinc and T7 and T6 for iron uptake. However, the minimum content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and iron were observed under treatment T1 during the field experiment.