Effect of Different Planting Geometry and Nitrogen Levels on Quality, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Rice Crop (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

Planting geometry also interacts significantly with nitrogen management, as plant density influences nutrient uptake efficiency and resource utilisation. A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 at the research farm of the College of Agriculture, Kaul (Kaithal), CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, to evaluate the effect of planting geometry and nitrogen levels on quality, nutrient uptake and economics of transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety HKR-128. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomised block design with three planting geometries (20 × 15 cm, 20 × 20 cm and random transplanting) in main plots and five nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha⁻¹) in sub-plots, replicated thrice. The experimental data were analysed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the OPSTAT software developed by CCS Haryana Agricultural University. Results indicated that planting geometry had no significant effect on hulling recovery, milling recovery, head rice recovery or protein content. However, nutrient uptake (N, P and K) by grain and straw was significantly higher under 20 × 15 cm spacing. Nitrogen application significantly improved grain quality parameters and nutrient uptake, with the highest values recorded at 200 kg N ha⁻¹, statistically at par with 150 kg N ha⁻¹. Economic analysis revealed that maximum net returns and benefit-to-cost ratio were obtained with 150 kg N ha⁻¹, while planting geometry of 20 × 15 cm resulted in higher profitability compared to other spacings. The study concludes that 20 × 15 cm spacing combined with 150 kg N ha⁻¹ is most economical and productive for transplanted rice under the agro-climatic conditions of Haryana.