Optimization of fertilizer recommendation through integration of nano sources on performance puddled transplanted rice

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the combined impact of inorganic fertilizer applied through the soil and nano NPK applied by foliar application at different time intervals on the growth and yield of transplanted rice. The field experiment was conducted from December 2023 to April 2024 during the late Rabi season, at the Department of Agronomy, V.O.C Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu, India. A split-plot design, consisting of 16 treatments combinations and three replications, was used in this trial. The results showed that the application of 100 % Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) along with a foliar spray of nano source of NPK at four different growth stages, resulted in the highest rice dry matter production (DMP), relative water content (RWC), root length, grain and straw yield. However, this treatment showed statistically comparable results to the application of 100 % RDF with a foliar spray of nano source at three growth stages, as well as the application of 75 % RDF with a foliar spray of nano source at four growth stages. The study concluded that the application of 75 % RDF combined with a foliar spray of nano NPK at four stages was equally effective in improving the growth and yield of puddled transplanted rice.