Evaluation of the Performance of Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa) Transplanting at Different Dates with Nutrient Sources under the Method of SRI

Abstract

Background: With growing fertilizer prices and fertilizer-related environmental concerns, Basmati 370 holds a unique position in the rice world due to its price, fragrance, quality and low fertilizer demands as compared to hybrid varieties; thus, shifting this crop to an organic or integrated nutrient management system is a feasible option. Methods: A field experiment was carried out at Jammu (J and K) during the Kharif season of 2014 to evaluate the performance of Basmati 370 transplanted at three different dates with five integrated nutrient sources. Result: The results of this investigation indicated that the rice transplanted on June 30 produced significantly higher dry matter accumulation (857.61 g/m2) with a concomitant increase in the grain yield (3.3 t/ha) over July 15 (3.0 t/ha) and July 30 (2.8 t/ha). The application of 100% RDF in the form of inorganic fertilizer recorded significantly higher grain yield (3.3 t/ha) and straw yield (5.6 t/ha) being at par with VC+FYM+NOC and GM+VC. The highest net returns were recorded on June 30 transplanting (₹80,501) with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.8. In the case of nutrient sources, higher net returns were fetched with 100% RDF (84,892) with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.4.