Leaf colour chart-a simple and inexpensive tool for nitrogen management in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Gangavathi during the rainy season of 2001 and 2002 to investigate the leaf colour chart based N management in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.).. Different organic manures did not influence the rice grain yield significantly. Application of N to transplanted rice@I 10 kg/ha in four splits at early (20 kg/ha), rapid ( 60 kg/ha in two equal splits) and late (30 kg/ha) growth stages based on leaf colour chart value 6 registered significantly higher mean grain yield (6.31 tonnes/ha) and net returns ( Rs 31 00 l/ha) and resulted in 26 and 52% saving in Nover the recommended and farmers' practice respectively.