Nitrogen and Zinc Interaction Improves Yield and Quality of Submerged Basmati Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) are the two major yield-limiting factors of flooded rice cultivation systems. Both nutrients interact and affect availability of the other in alkaline calcareous soils. In order to evaluate the interactive effects of N and Zn on yield and quality of Basmati rice, a field study was conducted at Sheikhupura (Site I) and Sargodha (Site II), Pakistan. Nitrogen treatments (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg/ha) were kept in main blocks while zinc levels (0, 8, 10, 12 and 14 kg/ha) were kept in sub blocks. The main effects of N and Zn levels were significant for grain yield and yield attributes. N and Zn interaction significantly improved the grain yield, yield components and all kernel quality parameters, except kernel amylose contents. Combined application of 120 kg N/ha and 14 kg Zn/ha produced the maximum grain yields at both sites (6.12 and 5.78 t/ha). This combination also yielded the maximum kernel lengths and widths, water absorption ratio and kernel protein contents. There was a significant positive correlation between grain yield and total dry matter, panicle-bearing tillers, spikelets panicle, grain weight, and harvest index. Application of 160 kg N/ha was detrimental to yield and quality attributes and reduced the agronomic efficiency of N use at both sites. Site comparison showed that soil pH and soil nutrient contents play a significant role in determination of the optimum nitrogen and zinc fertilizer doses for maximum yields.

Responses of Grain Yield and Nutrient Content to Combined Zinc and Nitrogen Fertilizer in Upland and Wetland Rice Varieties Grown in Waterlogged and Well-Drained Condition

“…This result is in accordance with the report in wheat and maize that showed the further increasing soil Zn fertilizer strongly increased in the grain weight and pollen viability (Arif et al 2017;Liu et al 2020). Also, the number of spikelets of submerged rice grown in an alkaline calcareous soil under waterlogged condition increased with Zn fertilizer at 14 kg Zn ha −1 compared with no Zn fertilizer (Ali et al 2014). In contrast to wetland rice, enhance N application rate increased grain yield, but less responded to Zn fertilizer.…”

“…The study also mentioned that the interaction between Zn and N fertilizer should be carefully investigated to adjust the fertilization practice in the rice field. With submerged cropping in Basmati rice, N (120 kg ha −1 ) and Zn (12 kg ha −1 ) fertilization led to maximum grain protein concentration (Ali et al 2014). Thus, appropriate fertilizer management under relevant soil and water conditions can potentially improve rice productivity and grain nutrition simultaneously.…”

Effect of zinc levels and moisture regimes on growth and nutrient uptake of direct seeded rice

“…This might be due to the proper nourishment of the crop with nutrient supply which increased the activity of meristematic cells and cell elongation. This result is in close conformity with the findings of Kumar and Kumar (2009) [15] and Ali et al (2014) [2] .…”

Effect of Micronutrients on Yield and Yield Attributes of Hybrid Rice under Boro Cultivation in Lower Gangetic Alluvial Zone

“…This is in confirmation with earlier workers Ramanujam and Rao (1971) and Dewal and Pareek (2000). The result confirmed the findings of Ali et al, (2014) and Singh et al, (2000). Test weight (22.35 g) was higher in NPK (40/120:60:60) +ZnSO 4 + Di-sodium-tetrahydrateoctaborate applied in panicle initiation stage.…”