Nutrient management practices for improved crop and water productivity, grain quality and energy productivity of promising rice cultivars in Eastern Himalayas

Aim: To assess the influence of nutrient management practices on crop and water productivity, grain quality, energy productivity and profitability in promising rice genotypes of Eastern Himalayas. Methodology: An experiment was conducted at ‘Lowland Research Block’ of ICAR–RC–NEHR, Barapani, Meghalaya to assess the influence of different nutrient management practices [Organic nutrient management (through FYM + remaining P through rock phosphate); integrated nutrient management (INM) (50% NPK through fertilizers + 50% N through FYM + remaining P through rock phosphate); inorganic nutrient management (fertilizers); and absolute control] and rice varieties [Shahsarang–1, Lumpnah and Megha semi-aromatic–2] on productivity, quality, energetic and profitability replicated thrice in a split-plot design. Results: Rice grain yield was significantly higher in INM practice (4.18 t ha-1) followed by inorganic (4.02 t ha-1) and organic practice (3.74 t ha-1). INM practice exhibited highest hulling (68.6%), milling (59.9%), head-rice recovery (53.6%), protein content (7.56%) and protein yield (329 kg ha-1) followed by inorganic, organic practice and control, respectively. However, gross and net returns and B: C ratio were significantly greater in inorganic practice followed by INM practice. Highest TWUE (3.17 kg ha-1 mm-1), water productivity (47.6 INR ha-1 mm-1), energy output (140342 MJ ha-1) as well as net energy (130813 MJ ha-1) were recorded in INM practice. Interpretation: INM practice and rice variety ‘Shahsarang–1’ can be recommended to farmers for enhancing the rice productivity, profitability, resource-use efficiency and soil health in eastern Himalayan region of India. Key words: Energetics, Grain quality, Integrated nutrient management, Rice varieties, Water-use efficiency