Nutrient Release Characteristic of Multinutrient Pellet for Organic Farming in Rice (Oryza sativa L) for Acid Sulphate Soils

Abstract

Aim: To develop a multinutrient pellet for organic farming in rice and investigation on the nutrient release characteristics of pellet in acid sulphate soils of Kuttanad. Study Design: This experiment was conducted through completely randomized design with 8 treatments and 3 replications. Place and Duration of Study: The research was appraised at the Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture Vellayani, between July 2022 - September 2022. Methods: Pellets were prepared using organic nutrient sources permitted in NPOP and a 60 day laboratory incubation experiment was performed to evaluate the nutrient release pattern of pellets. Standard procedures were used to analyze the nutrient content in pellets and quantity of nutrients in soil samples drawn from incubation experiment. Results: Nutrient availability increased from the 15th to the 60th day, and the maximum was observed on 60thday. The soil pH, EC, dehydrogenase activity, and humic acid content increased throughout the incubation period, while organic carbon and fulvic acid content declined. Conclusion: The gross nutrient release was found to be the highest in pellet containing bloodmeal, rockphosphate and potassium sulphate.