Response of rice (variety 1R-8) to zinc as affected by levels of phosphatic fertilisers

Abstract

An attempt was made to produce phosphorus induced zinc deficiency in rice plants (var. IR-8) under pot culture conditions with 18 treatments, being the combinations of 6 levels of P and 3 levels of Zn. Yield of grain and straw were significantly increased by the application of both zinc and phosphorus. At higher doses of Phosphorus the yield of grain decreased slightly. The optimum combination of P and Zn was found to be 72.5 kg P2 Oa/ha and 25 kg ZnSOJha. The study has revealed that for the proper uptake and utilisation of zinc especially when the soil is poor in available zinc the P levels have to be kept low. High levels of P may lead to zinc deficiency. Such deficiency can be corrected by tha application of zinc in the soil.