Organic manures for increased rice productivity and sustained supply of Fe to rice

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out for 3 years to assess the efficacy of organic manures (Sesbania, Leucaena, cowpea, mungbean, wheat straw and FYM) in enhancing the productivity of rice and in supplying Fe. Green manuring with Sesbania gave the highest rice yield, whereas the lowest yield was recorded with wheat straw incorporation. The concentration and uptake of Fe by rice was significantly higher with organic manures. The Fe status of the soil after 3 crops of rice declined from the initial value, but the decline was least with FYM, followed by green manures. The application of organic manures is a good source for a sustained supply of Fe in soil.