The effect of slow-release fertilizer (SRF) and biofertilizer application on rice growth and yield in a paddy field

Purpose: Paddy fields in Indonesia have experienced a stagnation in productivity, where increasing fertilizer applications no longer result in higher yields. To address this, various strategies, including ameliorants, have been employed to enhance rice production. This study investigates the potential of biofertilizers to improve the efficiency of inorganic fertilizers, specifically slow-release fertilizers (SRF). The aim is to evaluate the impact of biofertilizer application on rice production when combined with inorganic fertilizers. Method: The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 10 treatments and 3 replications on 5m x 5m plots. The treatments included different combinations of inorganic fertilizers (NPK) and biofertilizers: P1 [SRF NPK 20-10-15 + Zn 0.2]; P2 [SRF NPK 20-10-15 + Cu 0.4 + Fe 0.4]; P3 [SRF NPK 15-15-10 + Cu 0.4 + Fe 0.4]; P4 [SRF NPK 15-15-10]; P5 [SRF NPK 15-15-10 + S 0.4 + Zn 0.2]; and P6-P10, which corresponded to P1-P5 combined with biofertilizer. In the biofertilizer treatments, the inorganic fertilizer dose was reduced to one-third of the original amount. Growth parameters and rice yield were measured. Results: The results showed that applying SRF at 60% of the standard fertilizer rate achieved comparable yields to full-dose conventional applications. Additionally, the integration of biofertilizers allowed for a 70% reduction in SRF usage without compromising rice production. Conclusion: The study shows that combining biofertilizers with SRF allows for a 70% reduction in SRF usage while supporting rice yields, offering an effective and sustainable solution to enhance rice production. Highlights · Slow-release fertilizers (SRF) and biofertilizers effectively maintain rice yield with reduced fertilizer applications. · Biofertilizers contribute to increased nutrient availability through microbial action, promoting sustainable soil health. · Rice yield was sustained with a 70% reduction in SRF when biofertilizer was applied, showcasing environmental and economic benefits. · Combining SRF and biofertilizer presents a viable alternative to conventional high-dose NPK applications in rice cultivation.