2024, Vol. 7, Special Issue 11

author(s)
PP Sambhare, SS More, MC Kasture, SB Dodake, VA Rajemahadik, SY Rakhonde, CS Chaudhari, SM Khedkar and SV Nevase

abstract
An experiment entitled “Effect of different sources of silica on growth and yield of rice in lateritic soils of konkan region” was conducted at Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, during the year of 2023-24. The results indicated that, application of orthosilicic acid @15 kg ha^-1 in conjunction with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (T₂) showed the greatest improvements in growth attributes such as plant height (55.9, 66.2, 116.1 and 115.9 cm plant^-1), number of tillers (10.3, 14.6, 15.2 and 15.1 plant^-1) at the 30 DAT, 60 DAT, 90 DAT and at harvest stages of rice and number of panicles (12.3 and 14.6) at 90 DAT and at harvest respectively. Additionally, this treatment resulted in an improvement in grain yield of 50.51 q ha^-1 and straw yield of 61.1 q ha^-1. In option to use, significantly Sil-Konkan Annapurna Briquette (KAB) @ one capsule in centre of four hills (T₅) was found to be at par with treatment (T₂) than other treatments. This approach demonstrated greater economic feasibility for farmers and contributed to improved crop sustainability in lateritic, acid soils of konkan region. This was achieved through the integration of silica sources applied in conjunction with the recommended fertilizer doses.