YIELD RESPONSE OF WETLAND RICE TO BAND PLACEMENT OF UREA SOLUTION IN VARIOUS SOILS IN THE TROPICS

Alternative N-fertilizer management practices are needed to increase p roductivity and the N-use efficiency of flooded rice (Oryza sativa L.) . Seven field experiments were conducted at various sites in Banglades h and Indonesia to evaluate the effect of time and method of fertilize r-N application on grain yield in transplanted rice. Conventional fert ilizer application was compared with band placement of liquid urea usi ng a mechanical push-type injector and point placement of urea supergr anules. With band placement, grain yields were up to 38 and 55% higher than with researchers' and farmers' practices, respectively, and simi lar to those with point placement of urea supergranules.