Chandrakant Chaubey, Satendra Kumar, B.P. Dhyani, Mukesh Kumar, S.P. Singh, Yogesh Kumar and U.P. Shahi
Abstract
Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a globally valued crop due to its distinctive aroma, long grains, and high market value. However, the cultivation of basmati rice is constrained by soil quality and nutrient management challenges, especially in light-textured soils with low organic content. To address these challenges, a field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Centre, SVP University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, during the 2022 and 2023 Kharif seasons. The study aimed to assess the effects of humic acid application combined with varying nitrogen (N) levels on plant growth, and basmati rice productivity. The experimental design included twelve treatments based on different combinations of chemical fertilizers (75% and 100% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN)) and humic acid (10, 20, and 30 kg ha-1). Significant improvements were observed in plant height, tillering, dry matter accumulation, and yield parameters with the combined application of nitrogen and humic acid. Notably, the highest plant height (105.53 cm) and effective tiller count (208 &210 plants m-2) were recorded in the treatment with 100% RDN + Humic acid (@30 kg ha-1) in both years. The maximum grain yield (47.12 and 46.70 q ha-1) was achieved under the same treatment in 2022 respectively, showing a marked increase compared to the control and individual fertilizer treatments. Humic acid application significantly enhanced soil organic carbon, moisture retention, and nutrient availability, thereby promoting plant growth and overall productivity. These findings highlight the potential of integrating humic acid with optimized nitrogen application to improve basmati rice yield and soil health. The results suggest that humic acid can be a valuable organic amendment to sustain long-term rice production in nutrient-deficient soils, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers while enhancing crop growth and yield.