Evaluating the Dose-Dependent Effects of Gold Lotus Slow-Release Fertilizer Tablets on the Growth and Yield of Boro Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during the period from November 2021 to May 2022 to evaluate the impact of slow-release fertilizer (SRF) tablets on the yield performance of boro rice (BRRI dhan29). The experimental treatments were consisted with eight different levels of fertilizer management practices viz. T1= Control (unfertilized), T2= full recommended dose of NPK fertilizer, T3 = 1 tablet/pot, T4 = 2 tablets/pot, T5 = 3 tablets/pot, T6 = 4 tablets/pot, T7 = 5 tablets/pot, T8 = 6 tablets/pot. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) method with three replications. Result indicated that the highest straw yield (156 g/pot) was observed in T8 treatment (6 tablets/pot) and the highest grains yield (67.33 g/pot) was recorded in T4 treatment (2 tablets/pot. Results of the study exhibit that 2 tablets/pot showed the best result with yield and yield contributing characters. Therefore, the present study could be a dose of 2 tablets/pot was optimal under these pot conditions, but field validation is required. Based on the results, application of 2 SRF tablets per pot is recommended as it produced the highest grain yield and superior yield-contributing traits of boro rice (BRRI dhan29) under pot conditions. However, field-scale validation is necessary before making broader agronomic recommendations.