Optimization of leaf color chart (LCC) index for organic-based nutrient management in transplanted rice
2013
Javier, E.F. | Sto. Domingo, X.X. | Espiritu, A.E.
Nitrogen (N) fertilizers, whether of organic or inorganic source, are essential for high rice yield. The Leaf Color Chart (LCC) is an easy-to-use and inexpensive tool to monitor crop N status in the field and determine the demand of N topdress in any of the growth stages of the rice plant. In an organic-based rice nutrient management where rice straw, green and animal manures, composts and organic wastes are used as basal fertilizers, the need for additional N fertilizers could be determined using LCC. But the best source of supplying the N nutrition demand is yet to be assessed whether to use another organic or inorganic material. Hence, a study was established with two different basal organic treatments as main plots: Rice Straw Compost (RSC) and Rice Straw Compost with Chicken Manure (RSCM) and the different sources as subplots in the factorial split-plot experimental design. The LCC 3 and LCC 4 readings determine the time of topdress application of fertilizer treatments: Inorganic Foliar Fertilizer (IFF), Organic Foliar Fertilizer (OFF), Urea (UR), and Wild Sunflower (WSF). The RSCM showed higher leaf N content compared with the RSC as shown by the LCC readings, particularly at 21 DAT. However, it also required higher total N application during the whole growth phase of the rice plant than the latter. Ultimately, the highest grain, yield came from those applied with urea at LCC reading of less than 3. Applying urea and green manure while the LCC reading is at 4 also gave comparative grain yield. However, more urea (12.50 bags/ha) and green manure (44.84 t/ha) were also applied.
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