Physiological response and productivity of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) to iron fertilization in typic Ustifluvents soil

Abstract

Aerobic rice is projected as a sustainable rice production technology for the immediate future to address water scarcity and environmental safety. Micronutrient deficiency, particularly iron is one of the main factors responsible for low productivity in aerobic rice. With this perspective, a field experiment was conducted at farmer’s field in 2022 at Kuttalam, Mayladuthurai district, Tamilnadu, in sandy clay loam (Padugai Series – Typic Ustifluvents) to predict the response of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa) to iron nutrition. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with eleven treatments (Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) NPK only (control)(T1), (RDF) + FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 (SA) (T2), RDF + FeSO4 37.5 kg ha-1 (SA)(T3),RDF+ FeSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 (SA)(T4), RDF+ FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 (SA) + FeSO4 @ 1% (FS)(T5), RDF+ FeSO4 37.5 kg ha-1 (SA) + FeSO4 @ 1% (FS)(T6) , RDF+ FeSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 (SA) + FeSO4 @ 1% (FS)(T7), RDF+ FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1(SA) + Fe-EDTA @ 0.5% (FS)(T8), RDF+ FeSO4 37.5 kg ha-1 (SA) + Fe-EDTA @ 0.5% (FS)(T9), RDF+ FeSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 (SA) + Fe-EDTA @ 0.5% (FS) (T10) and RDF + Seed priming 0.05M Fe-EDTA(T11)) and replicated thrice. The results revealed that application of FeSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 (SA) + Fe-EDTA @ 0.5% (FS) with RDF recorded the highest growth and yield parameters and the highest grain (3438 kg ha-1) and straw yield (5078 kg ha-1) compared to other treatments including control. This study concluded that iron fertilization through the soil and foliar application could enhance aerobic rice productivity.