Study on nitrogen management through nano urea and conventional urea in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment entitled “Influence of organic manure, inorganic fertilizers and biochar on growth character and yield attributes of rice (Oryza sativa L.)” was conducted during Kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024 at the Student Instructional Farm, Nawabganj, Department of Soil Science of C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, to study the combined effects of nutrient sources on rice growth and productivity. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 16 treatments and three replications, including various combinations of organic manure (FYM @ 5 t ha-1), inorganic fertilizers (50%, 75%, and 100% RDF), biochar, and zinc (5 kg ha-1). Results revealed significant differences among treatments for all growth and yield attributes. The integrated use of organic manure, inorganic fertilizers, and biochar substantially improved leaf area index (LAI), grain weight per panicle, panicle weight, and number of panicles per m-2 compared to individual applications. The treatment 100% RDF + 5 t ha-1 FYM + 5 kg Zn + Biochar (T13) recorded the highest LAI (4.74), grain weight per panicle (4.23 g), panicle weight (4.68 g), and number of panicles (351 m-2). The improvement in growth and yield attributes was attributed to better nutrient availability, improved soil structure, and enhanced nutrient-use efficiency. Thus, integrated nutrient management involving organic manure, biochar, and inorganic fertilizers proved most effective in sustaining soil fertility and maximizing rice productivity under Central U.P. conditions.