Nutrient management in semi-deep water (30-50 cm) rice (Oryza sativa) and its effect on succeeding lentil (Lens culinaris) crop

An integrated use of farmyard manure with fertilizer gave significantly maximum average grain yield (3.34 tonnes/ha) of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and (1.02 tonnes/ha) of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) during 1995-98. Application of neem cake-coated urea + P and K to rice resulted in significantly higher yields and uptake of nutrients by rice and succeeding lentil compared with rest of the treatments except integrated use of both, and farmyard manure alone for lentil yield. Soil fertility (N, P and organic carbon) was improved significantly with FYM used either alone or in combination with fertilizer over that of initial soil status. Potassium content in soil was reduced in all treatments.