Impact of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on growth, NPK uptake and grain quality of transplanted basmati rice

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of different combinations of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on growth, yield attributes, nutrient uptake, content, and quality parameters of transplanted Basmati rice during 2022-23 (pooled data). Eleven treatments (T1 to T11) comprising varying levels of inorganic fertilizers (NPK) integrated with organic manures (such as FYM, vermicompost, poultry manure, etc.) were tested in a randomized block design. Significant improvements in plant height, NPK uptake and content were observed with integrated nutrient management (INM) practices. The highest plant height at harvest (around 121.5 cm in T3, with progressive increases in higher treatments) and superior NPK uptake (e.g., total N up to 130 kg/ha in T11) were recorded in treatments combining higher organic inputs with balanced inorganic fertilizers. These practices enhanced productivity and grain quality while promoting soil health. INM, particularly 50-75% RDF + organics, proved superior for sustainable Basmati rice production.