Evaluating the impact of various biofertilizer sources on growth and yield attributes of spring rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Eastern Terai of Nepal

Abstract

A field study was conducted at a farmer’s field in Ratuwamai, Morang, from February 2023 to June 2023 to assess the impact of various bio-fertilizer sources on the growth and yield characteristics of rice. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and seven treatments. The treatments included: T1: Recommended NPK dose (100:30:30 kg/ha), T2: Farmyard manure (FYM) (12 t/ha), T3: Goat manure (8 t/ha), T4: Mycorrhiza (11.25 kg/ha), T5: Organic manure (11.25 kg/ha), T6: Mustard seed cake (3.75 t/ha), and T7: Control (no fertilizer). Our investigation explored the significant effects of these treatments on the growth and yield-contributing attributes of the Chaite-4 rice variety. Results indicated that T1 (7021.47 kg/ha) and T2 (6681.70 kg/ha) exhibited the highest grain yield, followed by T3 (5128.35 kg/ha), T2 (4482.78 kg/ha), T5 (4335.79 kg/ha), T4 (4253.80 kg/ha), with T7 showing the lowest yield (3971.64 kg/ha). The maximum straw yield was observed in T1 (11037.50 kg/ha) and T6 (10644.16 kg/ha), while the control (T7) had the lowest (7681.66 kg/ha). Additionally, parameters such as plant height, number of tillers per hill, effective tillers per hill, panicle length, panicle weight, 1000-grain weight, grains per panicle, and SPAD value were highest in T1 and T6, and lowest in T7. Furthermore, the biofertilizers with the greatest benefit-to-cost ratios were organic manure and mycorrhiza (2.0 and 1.9, respectively), while goat manure showed an average ratio (1.6), indicating their cost-effectiveness. These findings demonstrate that the application of these biofertilizers enhances rice crop development and output, leading to substantial returns on investment.

Sustainable methods for growing turmeric: Evaluating the effects of synthetic and organic fertilizers on vegetative and reproductive attributes

“…In recent years, Nepal's turmeric production has seen fluctuations due to various factors like climate, soil health, and farming practices (Yadav et al, 2024b). Despite being a major global producer, with yields averaging 18 to 22 tons per hectare annually, the sector faces challenges hindering its full potential (Timsina et al, 2011;Mehata et al, 2023c). Reliance on chemical fertilizers has led to environmental degradation, soil depletion, and food safety concerns (Mehata et al, 2023b).…”