Effect of INM on Yield, Yield Components, Soil Fertility, Nutrient Use Efficiency and Economics of Rice Plant under Northern Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple food crops in India and maintaining productivity while sustaining soil fertility is a major challenge in intensive cultivation systems. Over-reliance on chemical fertilisers has reduced soil fertility, decreased nutrient use efficiency, and increased production costs. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), which combines inorganic fertilisers with organic manures and biofertilisers, has been suggested as an appropriate approach to enhance crop productivity, soil fertility, and farmers’ economic returns. The current study was conducted during the Kharif season of 2025 at the Agriculture Research and Development Centre, Vikrant University, Sakatpura, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, to assess the influence of various INM practices on the growth, yield, soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, and economics of rice (cultivar JR-81). The experiment was arranged in a randomised block design (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications. The treatments comprised different combinations of RDF, FYM, green manure, and biofertilisers. Integrated nutrient management had a marked effect on the growth, yield, soil, and economic characteristics of rice. In terms of growth performance, the application of RDF and FYM (T3) recorded the maximum plant height (113 cm), maximum number of tillers per plant (22.5), maximum panicle length (29 cm), maximum grain yield (59.40 q ha⁻¹), straw yield (83.15 q ha⁻¹), and maximum agronomic efficiency (12.00 kg grain kg⁻¹ nutrient applied). The application of RDF and FYM gave the highest gross return (₹165,120 ha⁻¹) and net return (₹98,464 ha⁻¹), indicating its economic superiority. In contrast, the integration of RDF, FYM, green manure, and biofertilisers (T4) had a greater effect on post-harvest soil fertility by increasing soil organic carbon and the availability of N, P, and K while maintaining a favourable soil pH. T8 recorded the highest partial factor productivity (68.24 kg grain kg⁻¹ nutrient applied). The study showed an overall increase in crop growth and productivity, nutrient use efficiency, soil quality, and profit under INM compared with the control and sole chemical fertiliser application. Although the combination of RDF and FYM (T3) was the best treatment for increasing grain yield and net income, the addition of green manure and biofertiliser (T4) also contributed to improved soil fertility and system sustainability. Therefore, INM is a feasible and sustainable approach to rice cultivation in Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh.