Effect of graded fertility levels and silicon sources on crop yield, uptake and nutrient-use efficiency in rice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2001 and 2002 on sandy clay-loam soil (Ustochrept), to assess the influence of graded fertility levels and silicon sources on yield and nutrient uptake by rice (Oryza sativa L.). Graded fertility levels up to 160-80-80-32-0.75 kg N-P 2O5-K2O-S-Zn-EDTA/ha significantly increased grain and straw yields of rice. Similarly, all the yield-attributing characters were also significantly increased up to same (F3) fertility level but it remained at par with F4 fertility (200-100-100-40-1.0 kg/ha) level. On the other hand, the highest nutrient uptake was associated with the highest fertility level of 200-100-100-40-1.00 kg N-P2O 5-K2O-S-Zn EDTA/ha. Among silicon sources, basic slag was superior to other sources as well as the control for yield and nutrients uptake.