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Effect of Nitrogen Sources, Micronutrients and Humic acid on Growth and Yield of Rice in an Alfisol

Effect of Nitrogen Sources, Micronutrients and Humic acid on Growth and Yield of Rice in an Alfisol

P. Naveena* , S. Suresh , S. Jothimani , M. Hemalatha

Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Killikulam-628252, Tamil Nadu – India

Corresponding Author Email: pnaveena1998@gmail.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.53709/CHE.2021.v02i04.001

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the late pishanam (Jan-May) season of 2021 at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam to evaluate the effects of nitrogen sources, micronutrients, and humic acid on the growth and yield of paddy. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 11 treatment combinations replicated thrice using rice variety ASD 16. The experimental results reveal that soil application of STCR-IPNS N as Urea along with a foliar spray of 1% Humic acid,  2% WSF (19:19:19), 2% liquid micronutrients recorded significantly higher growth parameters like plant height (37.5, 65.7, 108.1 cm), number of tillers m-2 (243, 321, 378), SPAD value (40.1, 41.3, 45.0) at 15, 30, 50 DAT respectively. It was also observed that the number of productive tillers m-2 (348), 1000 grain weight (24.65 g), grain (6118 kg ha-1), and straw (7239 kg ha-1) yield were significantly higher with the same treatment combination. The yield of rice was 11.3% higher than the STCR-IPNS N application of urea alone. The highest NPK uptake (69.4, 22.3, 104.3 kg ha-1) respectively and highest agronomic efficiency (25.6) were recorded in treatment STCR-IPNS N as Urea along with foliar spray of 1% humic acid, 2% WSF (19:19:19), 2% liquid micronutrients. Higher net returns (Rs. 67457 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.77) were recorded with STCR-IPNS N as Urea along with foliar spray of 1% humic acid, 2% WSF (19:19:19), 2% liquid micronutrients. This was followed by STCR-IPNS N as Urea with soil application of humic acid @ 4kg ha-1 (Rs. 66726 ha-1) which could be adopted in rice cultivation for higher grain yield and economic returns.

Keywords

Ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulphate solution, Humic acid, micronutrients, Nitrogen sources, Urea

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INTRODUCTION

India ranks second in rice production, producing 155.6 million metric tonnes per year, followed by China, which ranks first. Rice is the staple food for more than 60% of the world’s population, especially for Indians. To meet the growing demand for food caused by population growth, approximately 1% of global rice production must be increased annually. Economic development, higher yield, and sustainable intensification are required for this increase. The type of nitrogenous fertilizer used may also have an impact on grain yield and quality. Urea (46 percent N) and Ammonium sulphate ammonium nitrate solution [(NH4)2S04 NH4NO3] are necessary N fertilizers. Ammonium sulphate ammonium nitrate contains 23% nitrogen, three-fourths of which are ammoniacal, and the remaining (5.1%) is nitrate nitrogen. It also has 10.3 percent sulphur. Ammonia reacts with water in soil to form the ammonium (NH4) ion, which is bound to clay and organic matter. Urea is significantly less expensive than others, and their use may be justified on economic grounds if it does not affect grain yield or quality adversely.

Application of humic acid has numerous profit and agriculturists all over the world are accepting humic acid as a vital part of their fertilizer program. It can be applied directly to the plant foliage in liquid form and to the soil in granular form. High humic acid levels can boost yields. Humic substances are critical for soil fertility and plant nutrition. Humic acid stimulates plasma membrane, ATPase activity and acts as a urease and nitrification inhibitor. It also enhances lateral root growth and is used as a plant-growing environmental stimulator [1].           

Micronutrient deficiency is regarded as being one of the primary causes of decreasing productivity trends in rice-growing countries. Micronutrients are essential for rising crop yield. Micronutrients can increase grain yield by up to 50% by increasing macronutrient use efficiency [2]. Enhancement of cereal grains with micronutrients is a key focus of research that will help reduce micronutrient deficiency-related problems for humans [3]. Foliar nutrition helps to overcome nutrient immobilization, fixation, and leaching, which provides efficient nutrition for correcting deficiencies, especially in short-duration crops. Recently, new generation speciality fertilizers for foliar feeding and fertilization were introduced. Water-soluble fertilizers provide crops with optimal nutrient rates throughout the growth cycle in the most efficient way possible while not degrading soil and water resources. The water-soluble fertilizers have a high content of primary nutrients with a low salt index and high solubility.

The investigation was undertaken to have a detailed account of the effect of nitrogenous (N) fertilizers and foliar spray of humic and liquid micronutrients on the yield, its components, and economics of different nutrient management practices for rice.          

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, during late pishanam season (January 2021 – May 2021). The research area was located at 8º42´06.8´´N latitude and 77º51´27.1´´E longitude. The analysis of soil samples collected from the experimental site showed a pH (7.8) with normal electrical conductivity (0.11 dS/m). The availability of N, P, and K was medium (221 kg ha-1), low (10 kg ha-1), and medium (240 kg ha-1) respectively and the organic carbon content was 4.58 g kg-1. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with ASD 16 rice variety and two different nitrogen source fertilizers urea (46% N) and Ammonium nitrate ammonium sulphate solution (NH4-N 18.6%, NO3-N 5.19%). The treatment details were T1 – Control; T2 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea; T3 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + Humic acid @ 2 kg ha-1; T4 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + Humic acid @ 4 kg ha-1; T5 – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS; T6 – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + Humic acid @ 2 kg ha-1;  T7  – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + Humic acid @ 4 kg ha-1;  T8 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + 1% Humic acid (FS); T9 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + 1% Humic acid +  2% WSF (19:19:19) + 2% liquid micronutrients (FS); T10 – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + 1% Humic acid (FS); T11– STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + 1% Humic acid + 2% WSF (19:19:19) + 2% liquid micronutrients (FS). These treatment combinations were replicated thrice. The experimental plots were applied with STCR-IPNS recommended dose of NPK (110:60:60 kg ha–1) as per the schedule. The sources of phosphorous (P) and potash (K) were single super phosphate (SSP) and muriate of potash (MOP) respectively, whereas the nitrogen (N) sources are urea and ammonium nitrate sulphate solution. Nitrogen source fertilizers and MOP were applied in four equal split doses, whereas SSP was applied as basal . Humic acid was applied in critical growth stages in soil application (basal, active tillering, panicle initiation, and heading stage) and foliar spray (active tillering, panicle initiation, and heading stage) as per the treatment schedule. The foliar spray of liquid micronutrients and water-soluble fertilizer was done thrice viz. 15, 30, and 50 DAT in respective treatments. The growth and yield attributes like plant height, SPAD value, number of productive tillers m-2 were recorded. The 1000 grain weight, grain and straw yield were recorded at harvest. The data on the results of yield and biometric observations were subjected to statistical scrutiny [4]. The curves and diagrams were drawn by Microsoft office word and Excel software.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Growth attributes

A perusal of data depicted in table 1 divulged the significant influence of soil application and foliar spray of various fertilizers and humic acid on plant height, the number of tillers m-2, and SPAD value over control. The plant height, the number of tillers m-2, SPAD value increased with crop growth. The treatment STCR-IPNS N as Urea and foliar spray of 1% Humic acid, 2% WSF (19:19:19), 2% liquid micronutrients showed the highest plant height (37.5, 65.7, 108.1 cm), the number of tillers (243, 321, 378) and SPAD value (40.1, 41.3, 45.0) at active tillering, panicle initiation and heading stages respectively. It was on par with the treatment STCR-IPNS N as Urea + Humic acid @ 4 kg ha-1.

The highest plant height in foliar nutrition may be attributed to the increased meristematic cell activity and cell elongation, as nutrients are known to have beneficial effects on metabolic processes and improved vegetative growth. These findings were consistent with those reported by [5]. Foliar micronutrient application significantly increased plant height, which could be attributed to adequate micronutrient supply, which aided in accelerating enzymatic activity and auxin metabolism in plants [3]. Because of the increased photosynthetic rate, the young seedlings had better root growth, cell division, and cell enlargement, resulting in a higher plant height and number of tillers. These findings are in-consistent with [6]

Increase in SPAD reading to a balanced supply of nutrients in rice at various growth stages. Rice plants, which do not receive any of the major nutrients in the fertilizer schedule, hampered their tillering capacity [7]. Higher tillering as a result of improved root growth and increased nitrogen mobility in the soil solution and absorption by plant roots was also reported by him. The effect of phosphorus on growth and development, and tillering and root development in rice was reported by [5]. The K application was also effective in producing a prolific root system, which may have been able to supply enough potassium to the plants, increasing tiller count [7].           

Table 1: Effect of nitrogenous fertilizers, micronutrients, and humic acid on plant height (cm) and the number of tillers (m-2)and SPAD value of rice (Var. ASD 16).

T1 – Control; T2 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea; T3 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + Humic acid @ 2 kg ha-1; T4 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + Humic acid @ 4 kg ha-1; T5 – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS; T6 – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + Humic acid @ 2 kg ha-1;  T7  – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + Humic acid @ 4 kg ha-1;  T8 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + 1% Humic acid (FS); T9 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + 1% Humic acid +  2% WSF (19:19:19) + 2% liquid micronutrients (FS); T10 – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + 1% Humic acid (FS); T11– STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + 1% Humic acid + 2% WSF (19:19:19) + 2% liquid micronutrients (FS).

Yield attributes

A significant increase in grain and straw yield of rice was noted in table 2. The highest number of productive tillers m-2 (348), 1000 grain weight (24.65 g), grain (6118 kg ha-1) and straw (7239 kg ha-1) yields was recorded in the treatment, which received STCR-IPNS N as Urea with foliar spray of 1% Humic acid,  2% WSF (19:19:19), 2% liquid micronutrients and was significantly superior over all other treatments. This might be due to the effective utilization of soil applied fertilizers in addition to the source to sink transport due to foliar spray of all macro and micronutrients. The humic acid also performed favorably in enhancing the yield of rice as stated by [8]. The yield of rice was 11.3% higher than the STCR-IPNS N application of urea alone. The above treatment was followed by the soil application of STCR-IPNS N as Urea + Humic acid @ 4 kg ha-1 (10.4% increase in grain yield than the conventional practice).

The above treatment resulted in a significantly higher 1000 grain weight (24.7 g). It could be attributed to an increase in the supply of photosynthates to sink due higher chlorophyll content and photosynthesis due to sufficient micronutrients availability through foliar sprays at various intervals during the crop growing period [9]. Better nutrition and plant growth favoured improvement in yield components. The effect of significant nutrients, particularly nitrogen, on yield attributes in rice is primarily a function of assimilates accumulation, which facilitates higher N assimilation with an adequate supply of photosynthates to grain [10]. The better source to sink carbohydrate translocation on increased grain production was reported by [11].

On the basis of the above findings, it can be concluded that for obtaining higher grain yield, number of effective tillers per m-2, other growth and yield attributes, the treatment STCR-IPNS N as Urea with foliar spray of 1% Humic acid, 2% WSF (19:19:19), 2% liquid micronutrients was found to be the best.       

Table 2:Effect of nitrogenous fertilizers, micronutrients and humic acid on the number of productive tillers (m-2), 1000 grain weight (g), grain and straw yield (kg ha-1) of rice (Var. ASD 16).    

Nutrient uptake and Agronomic efficiency

The nitrogen uptake increased with the application of different nitrogen sources, humic acid and liquid micronutrients was noticed in figure1. Significant increase in NPK uptake (69.4, 22.3, 104.3 kg ha-1) was observed on STCR-IPNS N as Urea along with foliar spray of 1% humic acid, 2% WSF (19:19:19), and 2% liquid micronutrients. This is followed by the treatment STCR-IPNS N as Urea and humic acid @ 4 kg ha-1 (60.8, 18.0, 102.5), respectively. The agronomic use efficiency of N ranged from 19.5 – 25.6 in rice crops (fig.2). Among the treatments, STCR-IPNS N as Urea along with a foliar spray of 1% humic acid, 2% WSF (19:19:19), and 2% liquid micronutrients recorded higher agronomic use efficiency (25.6) and was on par with STCR-IPNS N as Urea with humic acid @ 4 kg ha-1 (25.2).

The increased nitrogen uptake by the rice crop for humic acid application was attributed to better use efficiency of applied nitrogen fertilizers in the presence of humic acid [12]. The humic acid application had a definite impact on the protein and nucleic acid synthesis, which indirectly indicated the increased uptake of various nutrient elements, essentially N and K. Similar findings were observed by [13]. The application of humic acid favoured the P uptake of rice. The enhancement of phosphatase activity upon humic acid application inturn increases the uptake of P was reported by [14].

An adequate supply of easily soluble nutrients could be a probable for greater nutrient uptake at the higher frequency of water-soluble fertilizer (19:19:19) over a lower frequency. This attribute would have led to a good sink to provide more nutrients in critical stages of growth. Increased access to N from foliar spray strengthens the photosynthetic activity. The improved use of photosynthates and increased allocation of photosynthates to the economical components were attributed to higher yield. These findings comply with the results of [15].

Figure 1. Influence of nitrogen sources, micronutrients, and humic acid on NPK uptake (kg ha-1) by rice Var. ASD 16.

T1 – Control; T2 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea; T3 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + Humic acid @ 2 kg ha-1; T4 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + Humic acid @ 4 kg ha-1; T5 – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS; T6 – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + Humic acid @ 2 kg ha-1;  T7  – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + Humic acid @ 4 kg ha-1;  T8 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + 1% Humic acid (FS); T9 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + 1% Humic acid +  2% WSF (19:19:19) + 2% liquid micronutrients (FS); T10 – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + 1% Humic acid (FS); T11– STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + 1% Humic acid + 2% WSF (19:19:19) + 2% liquid micronutrients (FS).

Figure 2. Influence of nitrogen sources, micronutrients, and humic acid on Agronomic efficiency of rice Var. ASD 16.

T1 –Control; T2 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea; T3 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + Humic acid @ 2 kg ha-1; T4 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + Humic acid @ 4 kg ha-1; T5 – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS; T6 – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + Humic acid @ 2 kg ha-1;  T7  – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + Humic acid @ 4 kg ha-1;  T8 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + 1% Humic acid (FS); T9 – STCR-IPNS N as Urea + 1% Humic acid +  2% WSF (19:19:19) + 2% liquid micronutrients (FS); T10 – STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + 1% Humic acid (FS); T11– STCR-IPNS N as ANAS + 1% Humic acid + 2% WSF (19:19:19) + 2% liquid micronutrients (FS).

Table 3: Effect of nitrogenous fertilizers, micronutrients and humic acid on economics (Rs./ha) of  rice (Var. ASD 16).

Economics

The economics indicating gross return in rupees per hectare was worked out from the yield of rice by taking in to account the prevailing market price at the time of harvest. It was explicated (Table 3) that maximum net return was registered with STCR-IPNS N as Urea with foliar spray of 1% Humic acid,  2% WSF (19:19:19), 2% liquid micronutrients (Rs. 67457/ha). It indicated that the net return decreased with decrease in the availability of nutrients [16]. The highest B:C ratio (2.77) was observed with the above treatment. The treatment of STCR-IPNS N as Urea and humic acid @ 4 kg ha-1 proved the next best with the B:C ratio of 2.74.

Conclusion

The study concluded that the application of fertilizers based on the STCR-IPNS N as Urea and foliar spray of 1% Humic acid,  2% WSF (19:19:19), and 2% liquid micronutrients at active tillering, panicle initiation, and heading stages had increased the growth parameters and the yield of rice to a tune of 11.3% over the regular practice. This treatment was found to be an economically viable nutrient management options on farmers fields.

References

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