Impact of Nitrogen Variability on Yield Dynamics and Economics Viability of Transplanted and Direct Seeded Rice
Manojit Chowdhury *
Division of Agricultural Engineering, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal-462038, India.
Tapan Kumar Khura
Division of Agricultural Engineering, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
Roaf Ahmad Parray
Division of Agricultural Engineering, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
Pravin Kumar Upadhyay
Division of Agronomy, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
H. L. Kushwaha
Division of Agricultural Engineering, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India and Division of Agricultural Engineering and Renewable Energy, ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur-342003, India.
Achal Lama
Division of Forecasting and Agricultural Systems Modelling, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
Shubham Chaudhary
Division of Agricultural Engineering, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
Abhishek Kumar Ansh
Division of Agricultural Engineering, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Efficient nitrogen (N) management plays a critical role in optimizing rice yield and ensuring economic sustainability. This study evaluates the impact of variable nitrogen levels on the yield dynamics and economic viability of transplanted rice (TPR) and direct seeded rice (DSR). Field experiments were conducted in research farm of ICAR-IARI, New Delhi in the year 2022 and 2023 in randomised complete block design with seven N treatments (0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200 and 240 kg N/ha) applied in a split application method. Key yield components like grain and straw yields were recorded. Economic analysis included cost of cultivation, gross return, net return, and benefit-cost ratio (BCR). Results showed that nitrogen significantly influenced yield in both TPR and DSR systems, with optimal N levels identified as 160 kg N/ha for TPR and DSR. Beyond these levels, yields declined, highlighting the importance of precise N management. TPR recorded higher grain and straw yields but incurred greater production costs due to labor-intensive practices and higher water requirements. In contrast, DSR offered lower input costs and higher economic returns at comparable yield levels, achieving a maximum BCR as 2.00 at 120 kg N/ha. This study emphasizes the importance of tailoring N application rates to specific crop establishment methods to optimize yield and economic returns. The findings offer practical insights for sustainable rice production, reducing input costs while minimizing environmental N losses. Further research on real-time N management strategies for DSR is recommended to enhance its efficiency and adaptability.
Keywords: Economics, direct seeded rice, nitrogen management, transplanted rice, yield dynamics