Effect of nutrient coating on seedling vigour, nutrient uptake and yield of rice (Oryza sativa)

Pot and field experiments were conducted at Annamalainagar to evaluate the effect of seed coating with bio-digested slurry, zinc sulphate, Azospirillu m, phosphobacteria and phytohormone in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Result of po t culture study showed that seed coating in combination with bio-digested s lurry, zinc sulphate, Azospirillum, phosphobacteria and phytohormone improv ed the seedling characteristics such as plumule length, radicle length, bio mass and seedling vigour. Nitrogen uptake was increased by 7.4% at seedling stage (30th day). Coating of seeds in combination with nutrients enhanced the growth and yield attributes. Seed coating in this combination increased the grain yield by 6.4% over uncoated seeds. Uptake of N, P, K and Zn was also enhanced by various coating treatments.