Impact of NPK Enriched Bio-Compost on Rice Yield and Sustainability of Nutrients in Sandy Loam Soils of India

ABSTRACT

To feed the burgeoning population, the cultivation of rice is exploited on low fertility soils, which are otherwise not fit for its cultivation. To enhance the fertility status of such soils, the nutrient-enriched bio-compost play vital role in maintaining the soil productivity and yield sustainability. Field experiments were conducted on sandy loam soil for two years (2016–2017 and 2017–2018) to evaluate the impact of different combinations of N (nitrogen)-, P (phosphorus)-, and K (potassium)-enriched bio-compost with inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (NPK) on crop productivity, nutrient uptake, and soil fertility by rice under rice-wheat system. The results reported that growth parameters, yield attributing characters, grain and straw yield of rice improved significantly by different NPK-enriched bio-compost treatments. Rice grain yield increased significantly, that is, 4350 kg ha⁻¹ with the application of 150% NPK over recommended fertilizer (3360 kg ha⁻¹). Also, plant growth parameters and yield attributing characters improved with application of bio-compost applied @ 4 t ha⁻¹. The NPK content in grains and their buildup in soil were significantly higher in treatments where 25% NPK were substituted through NPK-enriched bio-compost and 75% NPK through inorganic fertilizers. Overall, it is concluded that integrated use of 25% nutrients through NPK-enriched bio-compost and 75% nutrients through NPK inorganic fertilizers is the best option for the maintenance of soil health and sustainable rice yield.

KEYWORDS:

• NPK enriched bio-compost
• manures and fertilizers
• rice yield
• macronutrients
• micronutrients

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).