Effect of nutrient management on rice (Oryza sativa) in rainfed lowland ofsoutheast Madhya Pradesh

In a 3-year field trial, efficiency of different fertilizers in rainfed low lands was evaluated at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Jagdalpur ( M.P.). Application of N fertilizer and manures significantly increased the yield and N, P, K uptake by rice (Oryza sativa L.) over control and PK only . The higher grain and straw yields of rice were obtained in the treatment receiving 1/2 FYM + NP (2.58 and 4.90 t/ha), followed by NPK + FYM (2.49 an d 5.71 t/ha), CR-N (35) PK (2.14 and 4.31 t/ha) and CR-NPK+Zn (2.13 and 4.6 8 t/ha). Agronomic efficiency was also higher in 1/2 FYM + NP treatment, fo llowed by CR-N (3S) and CR-NPK + Zn. Nutrient X water interaction helped bu ffer the adverse effect of moisture deficit for sustaining rice yield durin g 1997. The application of manure alone or in combination with chemical fer tilizers sustained/improved the soil-fertility status of the soil.