Assessment of ion interactions in the acid saline soils (Orumundakan) to evolve a customized rice nutrition strategy

Abstract

A study on 'ʽʽAssessment of ion interactions in the acid saline soils (Orumundakan) to evolve a customized rice nutrition strategy ˮ was undertaken with an objective to identify the major nutritional constraints for rice production and to evolve a customized nutrient management strategy by integrating varietal tolerance and nutrition. From the investigation it can be concluded that there is soil fertility constraints in the Orumundakan tract of AEU 3. The soil was very strongly acidic with low nutrient status except for P, Fe, Mn and S. From the different indices computed it was found that K and Mg are the limiting ion in this soil. Management of nutritional constraints in this tract should be based give more emphasis on K and Mg fertilizers. Soil test based NPK + lime along with foliar application of customised fertilizer (T7) was found to be effective in management of the fertility constraints of Orumundakan tract which resulted in the highest yield and B: C ratio. Profitable rice cultivation in this tract is possible through the integration of acid-saline tolerant rice variety and soil test based NPK+ lime with foliar application of customised fertilizer at critical growth stages of the crop.