Performance of Direct-Seeded Rice as Influenced by Dual Cropping with Nitrogen Levels and Weed Management Practices in Prayagraj Region of Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj (U.P.), India, to evaluate the performance of direct-seeded rice (DSR) as influenced by dual cropping with nitrogen levels and weed management practices. Dual cropping of Sesbania with 100% recommended dose of nitrogen gave comparable yields with higher net returns and C/B ratio for both the years. Pretilachlor plus (@ 0.3 kg a.i./ha) as pre-emergence application followed by hand-weeding (HW) at 45 days after sowing (DAS) was effective in controlling weeds and increasing yields of DSR which resulted in higher economic returns than HW twice at 20 and 45 DAS. The results showed that farmers could save 56% human labour, 73% machine labour and 25% irrigation water as compared to transplanted rice; thus, DSR technology has the potential to increase farmers’ income and save natural resources.