Vivek Kumar, Gulshan Mahajan and Neerja Sharma
Abstract
Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the yield and quality characteristics of basmati rice under different rates and timings of N application at Punjab Agricultural University during kharif 2012. The study comprised of 13 treatments in randomized complete block design replicated thrice. Nitrogen was applied in two splits (21, 42 days after transplanting [DAT]; 0, 21 DAT and 0, 42 DAT) and three splits (0, 21 and 42 DAT) at rates of 40, 60 and 80 kg ha-1 and control (unfertilized). Highest grain yield was found with 60 kg N ha-1 in three splits i.e. 0, 21 and 42 DAT. Grain yield at 60 kg ha-1 of N application increased to the extent of 62.7 and 25.4% over control and recommended practice i.e. 40 kg N ha-1 at 21 and 42 DAT, respectively. Milling quality characteristics specially brown and head rice recovery was highest at 80 kg ha-1of N application in 3 splits and was statistically similar with 60 kg N ha-1 in 3 splits. Physico-chemical and cooking properties viz. 1000 kernel weight, L:B ratio, protein content, chalkiness and kernel length after cooking (KLAC) were better with 60 kg ha-1 of N application in 3 splits as compared to control and present recommendation.