Nutrient requirements of non-basmati rice varieties in rice zone of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Among various agronomic practices, the balanced use of fertilizers is important to get maximum economic yields. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the economically optimum nutrient requirement for producing higher yields of non-Basmati varieties of rice. To achieve these objectives, experiments were conducted at 14 sites at farmers’ fields from 2016 to 2020. The levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potash (K) were N (0, 87,174, 261), P2O5 (0, 52, 104, 156) and K2O (0, 40, 80,120) kilogram per hectare respectively arranged in central treatment design with eleven treatments. Experiments were designed and conducted in the field under randomized complete block. Maximum paddy yield (6,223 kg ha) was obtained with 174-156-80 kg ha-1 on an overall basis. However, the maximum benefit cost ratio was observed with 174-0-80 kg ha-1 with a lower yield level. Marginal rate of return was higher for nutrient N due to its lower price but higher for P and K nutrients due to their higher prices. Based on the results, 174-156-80 kg ha-1 of N-P2O5-K2O may be used by farmers seeking maximum incomes whereas 174-104-0 may be used by farmers seeking maximum cost benefit ratio, however, total income of farmers in this case may be lower