INFLUENCE OF NANO ZINC FORMULATIONS ON RICE CULTIVARS UNDER SALT AFFECTED CALCAREOUS SOILS OF BIHAR
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Date
2023
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RPCAU, Pusa
Abstract
The study entitled "Influence of nano Zn formulations on rice cultivars under salt affected calcareous soils of Bihar" was conducted during the Kharif season of 2022 at the Experimental farm of RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. This research was planned to investigate the effects of different nano Zn formulations on two rice cultivars grown in salt-affected calcareous soil. The experiment employed a split-plot design with three blocks, each containing ten plots, wherein two rice cultivars (CSR 23 and DRR Dhan 48) were subjected to five Zn treatments (Control, ZnSO4 foliar application @ 0.5%, Nano Zn @ 20 ppm, Nano Zn @ 50 ppm and ZnSO4 soil application @ 50 kg/ha). Growth attributes, yield components, nutrient uptake, morphophysiological, and biochemical characteristics were assessed, along with post-harvest soil properties. Results revealed significant impacts of Zn treatments and rice cultivars on various parameters. Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg/ha consistently yielded favorable outcomes across several parameters, including plant height, number of tillers, filled grains per panicle, grain yield, and nutrient uptake. DRR Dhan 48 exhibited higher performance than CSR 23 in terms of plant height, tillering, and yield attributes. The Nano Zn formulation @ 50 ppm demonstrated positive effects on physiological attributes such as Relative Water Content (RWC) and Membrane Stability Index (MSI), as well as on photosynthetic pigments. Biochemical analyses showcased variations in proline content, antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) and Na+/K+ ratio due to Zn treatments and cultivars. This study underscores the potential benefits of Zn supplementation, particularly the application of Nano Zn @ 50 ppm, in improving growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and physiological responses of rice cultivars in salt-affected calcareous soil. Moreover, the observed variations between the two rice cultivars emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate cultivars for specific soil conditions. These findings contribute to the understanding of optimizing rice production under challenging soil conditions through targeted Zn supplementation.