Author(s): B. M. SUMAN, K. PRATHAPAN, S. K RAJ, N. V. RADHAKRISHNAN AND E. K. SYRIAC

Abstract: Field experiment was conducted at Coconut Research Balaramapuram, during Kharif 2017 to study the effect of nutrient levels and schedule of nutrient application on the yield and economics of upland rice intercropped in coconut. The experiment was conducted in RBD with four different nutrient levels and four different schedules of nutrient application. Nutrient levels significantly influenced the grain and straw yield, net returns and B: C ratio and the highest grain yield, straw yield, net returns and B: C ratio were recorded with the application of NPK @ 90:30:45 kg ha-¹. Nutrient schedules also have significant effect on grain yield, net returns and B: C ratio. Among the schedule of nutrient application, N applied in three splits (15 days after sowing (DAS), active tillering and panicle initiation stage), P as basal and K in two equal splits (15 DAS and panicle initiation stage) along with foliar application of 0.2 per cent zinc sulphate and 0.04 per cent sodium borate recorded the highest grain yield, net returns and B:C ratio. Interaction between nutrient levels and schedule of nutrient application was also found significant. NPK @ 90:30:45 kg ha-¹, applied as N in three equal splits (15 DAS, active tillering and panicle initiation stage), P as basal and K in two equal splits (15 DAS and panicle initiation stage) along with foliar application of 0.2 per cent zinc sulphate and 0.04 per cent sodium borate at 45 DAS recorded higher grain yield, net returns and B:C ratio and can be recommended for upland rice raised as intercrop in coconut.

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