BIOFERTILIZER APPLICATION STRATEGY TO RICE (ORYZA-SATIVA)

The effect of individual and combined application of biofertilizers, v iz. Azospirillum, Azolla and blue green algae with and without inorgan ic nitrogen on rice (Oryza sativa L.) was investigated under lowland c ondition both at research station and farmers' field. Nitrogen levels and cropping seasons were found to influence the biofertilizers effect . Azospirillum responded well at 75 kg N/ha by showing 18% increased g rain yield over the control. Azolla and blue green algae showed the ma ximum grain yield of rice at 50 kg N/ha when applied individually. Azo sprillum performed better in rainy, summer and winter seasons. Azolla performed well during summer and winter seasons and EGA during rainy s eason. Azospirillum efficacy could be improved even at 125 kg N/ha whe n inoculated in soil incorporated with 3 tonnes/ha Sesbania rostrata. Triple combination of Azospirillum, Azolla and EGA responded well at 5 0 kg N/ha for summer season and at 75 kg N/ha for winter and rainy sea sons, indicating a varied response of biofertilizers to N levels and s eason.