Integrated use of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers for the cultivation of lowland rice in Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract Contribution of sesbania green manure, rice straw, and FYM (farm yard manure) was studied along with that of urea and A/SO4 (ammonium sulphate) for the cultivation of lowland rice and for the residual soil fertility. The results revealed that A/SO4 application resulted in a larger number of productive tillers, higher straw production, and higher grain yield compared to urea. Among the organic manures, sesbania green manure and FYM exerted almost similar effects on the number of productive tillers and paddy yield while the yield increase compared to the incorporation of rice straw. A similar affect of these organic manures on nitrogen uptake by rice straw, grain, and straw + grain was observed. Additional uptake of N due to the application of sesbania green manure, FYM and rice straw amounted to 15, 13, and 2.85 kg ha−1, respectively. Residual N fertility was the highest when of sesbania green manure was applied followed by FYM and rice straw. Residual P fertility was higher in the case of FYM than other treatments whereas the residual K fertility was the highest in the case of rice straw incorporation.