Influence of foliar-applied liquified humic acid on growth, yield, and yield components of rice in Vertisol conditions of Chhattisgarh

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024 at the Research cum Instructional Farm, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G), to evaluate the effect of foliar-applied liquified humic acid on growth, yield, and yield components of rice (cv. Rajeshwari) grown in Vertisols. The study comprised ten treatments arranged in a randomized block design with varying combinations of RDF (120:60:40 NPK kg ha⁻¹), 80% RDF, root dipping, and foliar sprays of liquified humic acid (2.5-10 ml L⁻¹). Application of liquified humic acid significantly improved plant height, number of total and effective tillers, panicle length, and number of filled grains at 60 and 90 DAT (Days after transplanting), while test weight remained unaffected. Grain yield ranged from 26.07 to 61.32 q ha⁻¹, with the highest yield recorded under RDF + foliar spray of liquefied humic acid @ 10 ml L⁻¹. The same treatment also produced the maximum straw yield (65.94 q ha⁻¹). Economic analysis showed that the highest B:C ratio (2.05) was achieved with RDF + root dipping in liquified humic acid @ 1 ml L⁻¹, followed by RDF alone (2.01). Overall, foliar application of liquified humic acid and inorganic fertilizers, enhanced growth, yield, and profitability of rice in Vertisols of Chhattisgarh.