Integrated nutrient management for upland rice in eastern ghats of Orissa

Field experiments were conducted from 2003-04 to 2004-05 at Malipungar watershed, Koraput, Orissa to evaluate integrated nutrient management (INM) options involving Gliricidia/ Farm yard manure (FYM), chemical fertilizers and bio-fertilizers for their effect on performance of upland rice and soil properties. It was observed that growth, yield and net returns from Gliricidia amended plots were better than the FYM amended plots. Soil moisture, bulk density, soil pH, organic carbon and P in Glricidia and FYM amended plots were at par. However, residual N and K contents were significantly higher in plots amended with Gliricidia green leaf manure. Combined use of 50% recommended dose of fertilizers, Gliricidia @ 2.5 t ha-1 and biofertilizers (Azotobactor and phosphate solubilising bacteria) with highest grain yield (2.01 t ha-1), net returns (Rs.4791 ha-1 and B:C ratio (1.6) was the best INM option. Moreover, soil moisture content, and available N, P and K status of soil recorded from plots having this treatment were also significantly higher than those with 100% Recommended dose of fertilizer.