Evaluation of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices for Improving Yield and Yield Attributes of Rice

Abstract

Rice is a staple food crop for a large global population, providing energy and essential nutrients, but its productivity remains low in many regions. With the population expected to rise, sustainable nutrient management strategies like Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) are crucial to enhance yield and maintain soil fertility. The study aims to evaluate the effect of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices on yield and yield attributes of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The field experiment was conducted at the Main Experimental Station of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with ten treatments and three replications using rice variety NDR-97. Treatments included different combinations of recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), biofertilizers (PSB, Azotobacter, BGA), and brown manuring. Results revealed that INM practices significantly improved yield-contributing characters such as the number of effective tillers m⁻², panicle length, number of grains per panicle⁻¹, and test weight compared to the control. The treatment comprising 100% RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha⁻¹ + PSB + Azotobacter + brown manuring (T10) recorded the highest values of yield attributes, grain yield, and straw yield, followed by T9. The improvement was attributed to balanced and sustained nutrient supply, enhanced nutrient use efficiency, and improved soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. Overall, the integrated application of inorganic fertilisers with organic manures and biofertilizers proved superior to the sole application of chemical fertilisers for enhancing rice productivity and sustaining soil health.