Impact of Various Integrated Nutrient Modules on Rice (Oryza sativa L) Varieties: Crop Productivity, Nutrient Uptake and Profitability under SRI Method

In order to assess the rice (Oryza sativa L) varieties for crop productivity, nutrient uptake, and profitability at various integrated nutrient modules in the SRI method, the current study was conducted during the 2017 (Kharif) season at the Agronomy Research Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh). The treatment combinations consist of three prominent rice varieties (M1- NDR-97, M2- Sarjoo-52, and M3- Mahsuri) as primary treatments, alongside three distinct nutrient levels (N1- 100% RDF, N2- 75% RDF + 25% FYM, and N3- 75% RDF + 25% Vermicompost) as subplot treatments. These were arranged in a Split Plot design and replicated four times. The findings demonstrated that grain and straw yield (t ha-1) and nutrient content and uptake (NPK) in both grain and straw were highest in the Mahsuri variety, which outperformed the Sarjoo-52 and NDR-92 types. The application of N1-100% RDF resulted in significantly higher crop yields, including grain and straw yield, as well as nutrient content and uptake (NPK) in both grain and straw, compared to the treatments of N2-75% RDF+25% FYM and N3-75% RDF+25% Vermicompost, respectively. The findings also revealed that the highest gross and net returns were observed with Mahsuri using the full recommended dosage of fertilizers. The highest benefit-cost ratio (1.13) was observed in Mahsuri with 100% RDF, followed by Sarjoo-52 with 100% RDF, which demonstrated greater profitability than the other treatment combinations evaluated during the study. Consequently, it can be inferred that the use of 100% RDF in conjunction with the Mahsuri variety is the most effective treatment combination for enhancing crop production, nutrient absorption, and profitability of rice cultivation.