Impact of crop establishment methods, silicon fertilization and silicon solubilizing microbes on growth and economic of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of crop establishment methods, silicon (Si) fertilization and silicon solubilizing microbes on growth attributes and economics of basmati rice during the Kharif (summer) season of 2023 and 2024 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, India. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with three replications. Under main plot, crop establishment methods (transplanted rice and direct seeded rice) were used, whereas under sub-plot different levels of silicon fertilization (control, 30 kg/ha, 60 kg/ha, 90 kg/ha) and under sub-sub plot, silicon solubilizing microbes was used (Bacillus mucillaginosus and Pseudomonas fluorescens). The experimental results revealed that among the crop establishment methods, transplanted rice recorded significantly higher values in terms of plant height, number of tillers/m², leaf area index, dry matter accumulation and crop growth rate (CGR). In addition, transplanted rice resulted in the highest gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio, indicating its economic superiority over other methods. Similarly, among different silicon fertilization levels, the application of 90 kg Si/ha recorded significantly higher values for plant height, number of tillers/m², leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, CGR, gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio. However, it was found to be statistically at par with the application of 60 kg Si/ha, suggesting that both levels were effective in improving crop performance and profitability. These findings highlight the importance of adopting suitable crop establishment methods and optimal silicon fertilization for improving the growth, yield attributes and economic viability of basmati rice cultivation.