Effect of establishment method, fertility level and weed-management practices on aromatic rice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2003 and 2004 at Agronomy Research Farm, Allahabad Agricultural Institute-Deemed University to assess the effect of establishment method, fertility level and weed-management practice on rice (Orgza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design, comprising two establishment methods (direct wet seeding and transplanting); three levels of N, P,05 and K,O, viz. 80 : 40 : 40; 100 : 50 : 50 and 120 : 60 : 60 kglha; and four weed-management practices, viz. anilofos @ 0.4 kg a ilha, butachor @ 1.5 kg a ilha, two hand-weedings (at 30 and 60 DAS) and a weedy check. These 24 treatments, were replicated thrice. Transplanting method recorded higher grain yield than direct seed- ing. The yield increased with the increase in fertility level and reached maximum with 120 : 60 : 60 kglha N, P,05 and K,O/ha. Two hand-weedings registered higher grain and straw yields with respect to weed-management practices. Amongst all the interactions, the maximum grain yield was observed in direct seeded and transplanted plots treated with two hand-weedings and higher fertilizer dose of 120 : 60 : 60 kglha N, P,05 and K,O, and were at par. However, higher net profit and benefit: cost ratio (BCR) were observed in transplanted plots treated with 120 : 60 : 60 kglha N, P,05 and K,O and anilofos @ 0.4 kg ailha. The maximum weed-control efficiency was ob- served in transplanted rice, low fertility and anilofos @ 0.4 kg ailha treatments. The maximum weed index was observed in weedy check plots.