Effect of organic manure, inorganic fertilizer and application of zinc and sulphur micronutrient on the growth and yield components of hybrid Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in mid hill region of Himachal Pradesh

A field experiment entitled “Effect of Organic manure, Inorganic fertilizer and application of zinc and sulphur micronutrient on the growth and yield components of hybrid Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in mid hill region of Himachal Pradesh” was carried out during the kharif of 2024 at the Research Farm, School of Agriculture, Abhilashi University, Chailchowk, Mandi (H.P). The experiment was performed in randomized block design with seven treatments and replicated thrice. The different treatment combination was T₁ = Control, T2 = 50% RDF + 50% Nitrogen through organic sources, T3 = 75% RDF + 25% Nitrogenthrough organic sources, T4 = 100% RDF + Zinc @ 5kg ha-1, T5 = 100% RDF + Sulphur @ 20kg ha-1, T6 = 100% RDF + Zinc @ 5 kg ha-1 + Sulphur @ 20kg ha-1, T7 = 125% RDF (N113:P50:K50). The study of data revealed that plant growth parameters such as plant height, number of tillers, and dry matter accumulation were significantly enhanced with the application of 125% RDF (N113:P50:K50) T7. Yield attributes, including effective tillers, panicle length, grain number, filled grains, and test weight, were highest in treatment T7 which was statistically at par with T6 treatments. Correspondingly, grain yield (46.92 q ha⁻¹), straw yield (62.92 q ha⁻¹), and biological yield (109.85 q ha⁻¹) were also maximized in T7, indicating the superiority of high-input integrated nutrient strategies. The study concludes that combining organic and inorganic nutrient sources, particularly with zinc and sulphur, significantly improves rice growth and productivity while supporting soil health, thus promoting sustainable rice cultivation.