Effect of varying levels and methods of application of zinc on the yield of rice

Abstract

A field experiment was laid out in a zinc deficient soil in Kuttanad area, Alleppey district, Kerala to study the effect of different levels and methods of zinc application with and without lime, on the growth and yield of rice. Foliar application of Q.5% and soil application of 20 kg/ha zinc sulphate resulted in significantly higher yield of grain. Root dip treatment with zinc oxide suspension recorded an increase in grain yield over control. The effect of application of lime alone and in combination with zinc, however, could not result in a significant increase in the yield of grain or straw. The study revealed the importance of zinc application to rice grown in the water-logged acid soils of Kuttanad.