Effect of Varying Levels and Source of Slow-release Urea Fertilizers on Yield, Post Harvest Soil Nutrient Status and Economics of Wet Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad, Rajendranagar in kharif, 2022 to study the effect of varying levels and source of slow-release urea fertilizers on yield, post harvest soil nutrient status and economics of wet direct seeded rice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with ten treatments consisting of nitrogen management practices and replicated thrice. The results revealed that 100% RDN (Recommended Dose of Nitrogen) (120 kg/ha) applied through silicon coated urea resulted in the highest grain yield (6249 kg/ha) and straw yield (7114 kg/ha). Post harvest soil nutrient status revealed that 125% recommended dose nitrogen (150 kg/ha) applied through silicon coated urea resulted in the highest soil available nitrogen. Similarly, the highest soil available nitrogen gain was recorded in the plots that received 125% silicon coated urea. Silicon coated urea applied @ 120 kg/ha ulimately fetched higher gross return of ₹. 1,42,964/ha, net returns ₹. 1,03,793 and benefit-cost ratio of 2.65. It can be concluded that RDN applied through silicon coated urea @ 120 kg/ha found to be a suitable alternative to neem coated urea in increasing the grain yield, soil fertility and profitability.