GROWTH RESPONSE OF RICE HYBRIDS TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NPK

Abstract

Fertilization affects the plant growth and development and is necessary for obtaining maximum crop productivity. However, attainment of maximum nutrient use efficiency is dependent on application of major crop nutrients at proper dose further which varies with variation in genotype. A field study was carried out at Agronomy Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad to assess the influence of various NPK levels (108-80-48, 135-100-60, 162-120-72 and 189-140-84 kg ha^-1) on growth of two rice hybrids (PHB-71and Leader-555), during 2012. The results revealed that the growth of both the rice hybrids was affected significantly by the influence of NPK application at different rates. Highest plant height was observed by the application of 189-140-84 kg NPK ha^-1 to Leader-555. Maximum increase in leaf area index, dry weight of above ground plant parts and number of tillers was perceived by the application of 162-120-72 kg ha^-1 to Leader-555, while, dry weight of below ground plant parts was highest by application of 162-120-72 kg ha^-1 to PHB-71. Results conclude that rice hybrids responded to NPK application, nonetheless, growth of Leader-555 was improved more and application of 162-120-72 kg ha^-1 proved better.