Ranganna Gari Thippe Swami, P.K. Singh, Krashankant Sharma, Vivek, Mukesh Kumar, Yogesh Kumar, Bhim Singh3, K.G. Shilpa4 and Dushyant
Abstract
A field investigation was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024 at the Crop Research Centre, SVPUA & T, Meerut, to evaluate the effects of different water and nitrogen management practices on crop water productivity and nutrient use efficiency in irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. The main plot treatments consisted of three moisture regimes: I (Continuous submergence at 5 cm depth), I1 (Intermittent submergence at 5 cm, irrigation 2 days after water disappearance), and I (Intermittent submergence at 5 cm, irrigation 5 days after water disappearance). The sub-plot treatments comprised five nitrogen levels: N (0 kg N ha-¹), N (60 kg N ha-¹), N (120 kg N ha-¹), N (150 kg N ha-¹), and N (180 kg N ha-¹). Results indicated that continuous submergence (I) produced significantly superior growth parameters (plant height, tillers/m², dry matter accumulation, LAI), yield attributes (effective tillers, filled grains/panicle, test weight), and consequently the highest grain (45.53-46.67 q ha-¹) and biological yield. However, it was statistically on par with I. Among nitrogen levels, application of 150 kg N ha-¹ (N) resulted in the highest values for most growth, yield, and yield attribute parameters, closely followed by 120 kg N ha-¹ (N). The highest total uptake of N, P, and K was also recorded under the I moisture regime and the N nitrogen level. Economic analysis revealed that the highest net returns (121,009-122,404 ha-¹) and benefit-cost ratio (3.56-3.58) were achieved with the combination of I or I moisture regimes and 150 kg N ha-¹ (N). While continuous submergence (I) yielded slightly more, the intermittent irrigation practice (I) saved significant water with a minimal yield penalty, making it a water efficient alternative. The study concludes that for maximizing productivity and profitability of basmati rice (PB 1509) in the sandy loam soils of Western U.P., intermittent submergence with irrigation at 2 days after water disappearance (I) coupled with 150 kg N ha-¹ (N) is the most recommended practice.