Abstract

An experiment was conducted during June 1993 to February 1994 to study the effect of phosphorus levels and 2% DAP spray on lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.). Application of P at recommended dose (38 kg P:Os/ha) with 2% DAP spray given thrice at boot leaf, 50% flowering and post-milk stages would result in higher rice grain productivity and profitability. Considering soil health and increase in P fertilizer price, the farmer may choose to apply P at 50% of recommended dose (19 kg Pâ‚‚Os/ha) with 2% DAP spray twice at boot leaf stage and 50% flowering or at post milk stages if capital is constraint for the farmer. Based on the previous season result, test verification trial was conducted in the Rabi season with I.R.20 as test variety. Similar trend was also observed in the test verification trial. The effect on P uptake at different stages of crop growth and economics were also discussed.

Keywords: Rice, Phosphorus, Management, Verification, DAP Spray