Rice is a major kharif crop of Punjab occupying an area of about 26 lakh hectares. Soils of Punjab are generally low in soil organic matter content. Fertilizer application has been and will continue to be the major input for increasing rice production. Fertilizer use in rice by Punjab farmers is already high, while fertilizer use efficiency is low which reflects not only an economic loss to farmers but also an environmental hazard. To achieve high fertilizer use efficiency, application of nutrients in right quantity, using right method and source at right time is of great significance. Organic manures like farmyard manure, poultry manure, pressmud and green manure also play significant role in supplying plant nutrients and improving soil productivity. Integrated use of fertilizers and locally available organic manures in rice should be practiced to save fertilizer and sustain crop productivity on long-term basis.
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