Yield, quality and economics of Basmati rice as influenced by different organic nutrient management practices
A field study was conducted in Agronomy Research Farm, Central Research Station, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during kharif 2012-13 to study the effect of organic source of nutrients on productivity, profitability and quality of Basmati rice. Application of Azospirillum (10 kg/ha)+PSM (10 kg/ha) + EM Spray (twice) + neem cake along with 75% N (75%FYM + 25% vermicompost) resulted in the highest grain yield (3,570 kg/ha) and maximum net returns (Rs. 39,654/ha) and was closely followed by Azospirillum (10 kg/ha)+ PSM (10 kg/ha) + EM Spray (twice) with 75% N (75% FYM + 25% vermicompost). Twenty five per cent organic nitrogen source could be saved by addition of Azospirillum + PSM + EM spray or Azospirillum+ PSM + EM spray + Neem cake without any yield reduction in Basmati rice. Application of 100% N (75% FYM + 25% vermicompost) increased the soil available N (253.48 kg/ha), P2O5 (45.46 kg/ha) and K2O (181.62 kg/ha) content over the initial value of available N (246.21 kg/ha), P2O5 (43.38 kg/ha) and K2O (167.84 kg/ha) after harvest of Basmati rice. It was closely followed by application of Azospirillum (10 kg/ha) + PSM (10 kg/ha) + EM Spray (twice) + neem cake along with 75% N (75% FYM + 25% vermicompost) and Azospirillum (10 kg/ha) + PSM (10 kg/ha) + EM Spray (twice) with 75% N (75% FYM + 25% vermicompost). Thus, both soil fertility and grain quality could be increased by these treatments.