Response of NSIC RC23 as influenced by combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers

The demand for rice increases with increasing population, yet the yield of aerobic rice keeps declining when grown continuously. These unstable yields of aerobic rice are attributed to water and nutrient stresses Justifiable rice production cannot do away with inorganic fertilizers completely, for they have significant effect on crop yield once applied appropriately. They hold nutrients that replenish soil health and ultimately improve growth components of crops. Organic fertilizers though release nutrients slowly, provide additional advantage on soil fertility by improving physical, biological and chemical soil properties. Combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers results in positive results when applied at appropriate amount and time in aerobic rice production system . To ascertain this, a field study was conducted to determine the effect of applying organic and inorganic fertilizers as sole and combined treatments on the growth components and panicle length of NSIC Rc23 under aerobic production system. Treatments were: (1) Control, (2) RRIF (120-45-60 kg N, P2 O5 , and K2 O/ha), and (3) 50% RRIF+RROF. Organic fertilizers were incorporated into the soil one week before planting. Application of inorganic fertilizers was done in splits accordingly. The application of Sole inorganic fertilizers significantly produced tallest plants at maturity. Results from application of inorganic fertilizers alone and fertilizer combinations generated same results on number of days to maturity. Fertilizer combinations and sole inorganic fertilizers generated comparable results on attainment of 50% flowering and panicle length , however, results from 50%IF + RROF were inferior. Sole inorganic fertilizers (100% RRIF) and fertilizer combinations (100% IF + RROF) are recommended for enhancement of growth attributes and panicle length in NSIC Rc23 under aerobic rice production.