Efficient Management of Micronutrients Efficient Management of Micronutrients in Rice in Rice

K. V. RaoK. V. Rao

Principal Scientist (Soil Science)Principal Scientist (Soil Science)

Directorate of Rice ResearchDirectorate of Rice Research

YearYear Fertilizer consumption (M. tons)Fertilizer consumption (M. tons)

NN P2O5P2O5 K2OK2O TotalTotal

19511951 -- -- -- 0.0650.065

19991999 11.611.6 4.84.8 1.71.7 18.118.1

20202020 20.7420.74 6.776.77 2.062.06 29.0729.07

Crop uptake (M. tons)Crop uptake (M. tons)

20202020 11.8711.87 5.275.27 20.3220.32 37.4637.46

DeficitDeficit +8.9+8.9 +1.5+1.5 -18.3-18.3 -8.3-8.3

Fertilizer nutrient consumption and balance in Indian Agriculture

Zone wise consumption ratio of nutrients (NPK)Zone wise consumption ratio of nutrients (NPK)2007-2008 2007-2008

ZoneZone NNPP22OO55 KK22OO Total (kg/ha)Total (kg/ha)

NorthNorth 17.517.5 3.93.9 11 161.5161.5

EastEast 4.14.1 1.61.6 11 103.5103.5

WestWest 5.15.1 2.62.6 11 82.582.5

SouthSouth 2.82.8 1.41.4 11 154.9154.9

All IndiaAll India 5.55.5 2.12.1 11 117117

Emerging Nutrient Emerging Nutrient DeficienciesDeficiencies

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2025

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

Food

grai

n pr

oduc

tion

Elements deficient Foodgrain production (Mt)

NFeN

KPZnFeN

MnSKPZnFeN

BMnSKPZnFeN

BMnSKPZnFeN

MoBMnSKPZnFeN

?MoBMnSKPZnFeN

Critical limits and extent of Critical limits and extent of deficiency in Indian soilsdeficiency in Indian soils

NutNutr-r-

ientient

CriticCritical al

limits limits (ppm)(ppm)

Extent of Extent of def. (% def. (%

samples)samples)

SS 1010 4141

ZnZn 0.60.6 4949

FeFe 4.54.5 1212

CuCu 0.20.2 33

MnMn 2.52.5 4.44.4

BB 0.50.5 3232

Deficiency of Boron in Indian Deficiency of Boron in Indian soilssoils

State/soilState/soil % Deficiency% Deficiency

BiharBihar 39.039.0

West BengalWest Bengal 68.068.0

KarnatakaKarnataka 32.032.0

UPUP 24.524.5

MPMP 22.522.5

TNTN 21.021.0

PunjabPunjab 13.013.0

GujaratGujarat 2.02.0

HaryanaHaryana 1.51.5

IndiaIndia 33.033.0

Red & Red & lateriteslaterites

37-6837-68

Deficiency of Sulfur in different Deficiency of Sulfur in different statesstates

StateState % Deficiency% DeficiencyBiharBihar 28.028.0

RajasthanRajasthan 23.023.0Kerala Kerala 33.033.0

KarnatakaKarnataka 34.034.0HPHP 43.043.0

OrissaOrissa 51.051.0UPUP 62.062.0MPMP 40.040.0TNTN 36.036.0

PunjabPunjab 26.026.0GujaratGujarat 38.038.0HaryanaHaryana 35.035.0

IndiaIndia 41.041.0

Extent of micronutrient deficienies in soils of India

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Zn Cu Fe Mn B Mo

Perc

ent s

ampl

es d

efic

ient

Acidic Non acidic

Rice production demand by 2025 ~ 125 Mt Rice production demand by 2025 ~ 125 Mt Rice is cultivated in > 44 M. ha of variety (15) of soils; and consume > 50% of irrigation water; 38-40% of fertilizers; and 17-18% of pesticides About 8M.ha of rice soils are deficient in Zn, and is most preferred crop in salt affected soils (> 8M.ha) About 15 M ha of rice soils are acidic associated with Fe or Al toxicity, depletion of bases (Ca, K, Mg), P fixation and likely deficiency of B, Si Blanket fertilizer management over large domainsBlanket fertilizer management over large domains Stagnation/ deceleration in productivity growth, and changing Stagnation/ deceleration in productivity growth, and changing pest and disease intensity pest and disease intensity Major nutrient problems observed in rice are – Deficiency - N, P, Zn, Fe, S, K, Mn, Ca, B, Si and Toxicity - Fe, H2S, Al, B, As, Se

Soil/water resources and rice production

Zn deficiency in riceZn deficiency in rice

It is widely spread in calcareous, clayey-neutral, saline-It is widely spread in calcareous, clayey-neutral, saline-sodic, sodic, coarse-textured, highly weathered and leached soils in coarse-textured, highly weathered and leached soils in Bihar, Karnataka, AP, Punjab, Haryana, UP, Tamil Bihar, Karnataka, AP, Punjab, Haryana, UP, Tamil Nadu, Nadu, orissa, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, orissa, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, Uneven plant growth in patches and stunted, earliness, Uneven plant growth in patches and stunted, earliness, low low spike let no.spike let no. and yield. Brown to dusty brown spots on younger leaves in red Brown to dusty brown spots on younger leaves in red soils, soils, yellowing of leaves /midrib bleaching in black soils yellowing of leaves /midrib bleaching in black soils appearing at 2–4 WAT. appearing at 2–4 WAT.

ZINC MANAGEMENT ZINC MANAGEMENT

Regular application of OM (FYM, PM, BG slurry, Compost) @ 5-Regular application of OM (FYM, PM, BG slurry, Compost) @ 5-10 t /ha helps mitigate deficiencies of all micronutrients 10 t /ha helps mitigate deficiencies of all micronutrients

Drain the fields frequently with good quality irrigation water Drain the fields frequently with good quality irrigation water Normal soils- Apply 5.5 -11.0 kg Zn /ha for every 3 seasons Normal soils- Apply 5.5 -11.0 kg Zn /ha for every 3 seasons preferably in rabi season in soils with < 0.3-0.5 ppm Zn in preferably in rabi season in soils with < 0.3-0.5 ppm Zn in sandy and clay soils, respectivelysandy and clay soils, respectively Sodic soils / Brackish ground water - 22 kg Zn / ha initially Sodic soils / Brackish ground water - 22 kg Zn / ha initially followed by 5-10 kg Zn in the later years or 50% gypsum + 10 t followed by 5-10 kg Zn in the later years or 50% gypsum + 10 t GM + 22 kg Zn once in 2-3 yearsGM + 22 kg Zn once in 2-3 years Seed treatment or root dipping in 2.0% ZnO suspension in Seed treatment or root dipping in 2.0% ZnO suspension in moderate Zn deficient soilsmoderate Zn deficient soils Mid season correction -Spraying 0.5% ZnSO4 thrice at weekly Mid season correction -Spraying 0.5% ZnSO4 thrice at weekly intervals between 3-6 WATintervals between 3-6 WAT Grow Zn efficient and tolerant varieties- Vikas, Rasi, Hybrids etcGrow Zn efficient and tolerant varieties- Vikas, Rasi, Hybrids etc

Response of crops to zinc fertilization in India

Crop No. of Expts.

Range of response t ha-1 Av. Resp. t ha-1

Individual expt. Mean of expt.

Wheat 2447 0.00-4.70 0.01-1.47 0.42

Rice 1652 0.00-5.47 0.14-1.27 0.54

Maize 280 0.01-3.09 0.11-1.37 0.47

Sorghum 83 0.07-1.35 0.21-0.65 0.36

Soybean 12 0.08-0.69 0.16-0.39 0.36

Onion 3 1.36-8.70 1.70-4.91 5.13

Potato 45 0.10-7.60 2.40-3.90 3.0

Sugarcane 6 8.00-4.30 1.72-2.40 3.8Source: M.V. Singh (1997, 1999a), AICRP Micronutrients , IISS, Bhopal

Effect of zinc and gypsum application Effect of zinc and gypsum application on yield of rice in sodic soils(t/ha) on yield of rice in sodic soils(t/ha)

ZnSOZnSO4 4

(kg/ha)(kg/ha)

Gypsum levels (t/ha)Gypsum levels (t/ha) Mean Mean

00 2.52.5 5.05.0 10.010.0

00 0.130.13 0.980.98 2.142.14 2.652.65 1.481.48

1010 0.490.49 1.871.87 3.063.06 3.773.77 2.302.30

2020 0.580.58 2.002.00 3.143.14 3.853.85 2.392.39

3030 0.680.68 1.751.75 2.992.99 3.923.92 2.342.34

4040 1.051.05 2.022.02 3.293.29 3.893.89 2.562.56

MeanMean 0.590.59 1.721.72 2.932.93 3.623.62 --

LSD LSD (0.05)(0.05)

Gypsum 0.36; ZnSOGypsum 0.36; ZnSO4 4

0.280.28

Fe deficient upland rice

Interveinal chlorosis of emerging leaves,whole leaves becoming chlorotic and turns very pale. Plants become stunted with narrow leaves.

Iron Deficiency in rice

Fe deficiency is serious constraint to rice in uplands in neutral, alkaline and calcareous soils, in coarse textured low organic matter soils, in alkaline and calcareous low lands, and under excessive concentrations of Mn, Cu, Zn, Al and nitrates in root zone.

Management of Fe deficiencySources- Ferrous sulphate (19-20.5%Fe), Fe-EDTA (9-12%Fe), Fe- EDDHA (10% Fe), besides organic manures (FYM 0.15% Fe), poultry and piggery manure (0.16% Fe), sewage sludge are used as sources for correcting Fe chlorosis. Seed treatment with 2% FeSO4.7H2O solution/slurry. Foliar sprays (2-3) of 1-2% FeSO4.7H2O/FeNH4SO4 (pH 5.2) solution or of chelates at weekly interval at early stage of deficiency are successful. Combination of green manure (GM) or organic manures with foliar spray of un-neutralized 1%FeSO4.7H20 /FeNH4SO4 (pH 5.2) solution

Reduced plant height and tillering

Rice field showing S deficiency symptoms Chlorosis of young leaves and necrosis of tips

Soils with low organic matter status, highly weathered ,containing large amounts of Fe oxides, sandy soils are deficient in S supply. About 3-5 kg S is removed by rice per ton of grain. Apply 30-40 kg/ha S through gypsum, phospho-gypsum, ammonium sulphate, elemental S etc.,

Sulfur Nutrition in Rice

Boron deficiency in rice B deficiency occurs in highly weathered, acid upland, coarse textured sandy soils, acid soils derived from igneous rocks, and in soils of high organic matter and calcareousness B availability is reduced under moisture stress and dry conditions B deficiency symptoms usually appear first on young leaves. Reduced plant height and the tips of emerging leaves are white and rolled Rice plants fail to produce panicles if they are affected by B deficiency at the panicle formation stage

Management of Boron deficiencyBorax, granubor & boric acid are efficient sources Basal soil application of B (1-2 Kg B / ha) is superior to foliar sprays. Soil application has residual effect for 1-2 seasonsFor hidden deficiency spray 0. 2% boric acid or borax at pre flowering or flower head formation stages AICRIP results show increased grain number (25-45), filled

spike lets and significant increase in grain yield by 4-8% of cultures IET 20979, IET 21007 and IET 21014.

460

470

480

490

500

510

520

Control 0.2 ppm 0.4 ppm 0.8 ppm

Influence of Boron application on rice yield (g/sq.m) (11 locations, AICRIP, 2009)

Manganese deficiency in rice is sporadic and increasing in wheat in Punjab in R-W system (after 7-10 years) in highly permeable alkaline soils low in OM Also in highly degraded, acid sulfate and acid upland soils, and alkaline / calcareous soils with low OM and reducible Mn Symptoms on rice are pale grayish green interveinal chlorosis from tip to base of young leaves with necrotic brown spots developing later. ManagementSoil application - MnSO4.4H2O @ 40-50 kg/ha (less economical) Foliar spray 3-4 times @ 0.5-1.0% MnSO4 solution (5-15 kg Mn /ha) at tillering stage in about 200 L water per ha. Durum wheat more susceptible than aestivum wheat. Apply farmyard manure or straw incorporation Chelates are less effective because Fe and Cu displace Mn.

Manganese deficiency in rice wheat system

Residual response (kg/ha) to secondary Residual response (kg/ha) to secondary and micro- nutrient applied in rice and micro- nutrient applied in rice

under RWCSunder RWCS

SiteSite SS ZnZn BB MnMn CuCuRanchiRanchi 4848 4848 -- -- --

ModipuramModipuram 13501350 960960 580580 600600 --

KanpurKanpur 511511 286286 -- -- --

R.S. PuraR.S. Pura 191191 183183 -- 5757 277277

PantnagarPantnagar 505505 -- 471471 -- --

LudhianaLudhiana 167167 9090 9696 3636 119119

AverageAverage 462462 313313 382382 231231 173173

PDCSR and IPNI Research, Modipuram

Approved micronutrient fertilizers under FCO Materials Element/Forms Content (%)

Zinc sulphate. Zn 21.0

Manganese Sulphate* Mn 30.5

Ammonium Molybdate Mo 52.0

Borax (For soil application) B 10.5

Solubor (Foliar spray) B 19.0

Copper Sulphate* Cu 24.0

Ferrous sulfate Ferrous & Ferric 19.0 & 0.50

Zinc Sulphate mono-hydrate Zn 33.0

Zinc Phosphate Zn3(PO4)2.4H2O Zn + P 19.5

Chelated Zn (EDTA form) Zn 12.0

Chelated Fe (EDTA form) Fe 12.0

Boronated super phosphate B+P2O5 0.18B +16.0

Zincated urea Zn+N 2.0 Zn + 43.0 N*S % in ZnSO4.7H2O-15%, MnSO4.4H2O -17%, CuSO4.5H2O-13%, FeSO4.7H2O-19%

Iron toxicity in riceIron toxicity in rice

Tiny brown spots from tips to leaf base of older leaves, reddish Tiny brown spots from tips to leaf base of older leaves, reddish brown, purplish bronzing, yellow orange discoloration brown, purplish bronzing, yellow orange discoloration Commonly observed at maximum tillering / heading stage Commonly observed at maximum tillering / heading stage Reduces yields by12-100%. Reduces yields by12-100%. Reported in Orissa (42%), West Bengal, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Reported in Orissa (42%), West Bengal, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, NE and NW hills, HP, Karnataka, North costal AP, in acid Kerala, NE and NW hills, HP, Karnataka, North costal AP, in acid and acid sulfate soils rich in reducible iron, light textured, and acid sulfate soils rich in reducible iron, light textured, moderate to high SOM, and low CEC. moderate to high SOM, and low CEC.

Management of Fe toxicity

Plant rice tolerant varieties (e.g., Mahsuri, Phalguna, MTU 1010, IET 20550).Seed treatment (DSR) with Ca peroxide @ 50–100% seed wt. Delaying planting until peak in Fe2+ concentration has passed (> 10–20 DAF) Intermittent irrigation and midseason drainage at mid-tillering stage (25–30 DAT/DAS), Balanced use of fertilizers (NPK or NPK + lime), additional K, P, and Mg fertilizers.

Sulfide toxicity S toxicity occurs in degraded, low active Fe status, poorly drained organic soils, acid- sulfate soils. Deficiency of K and unbalanced crop nutrient status, excessive application of urban or industrial sewage aggravate sulfide toxicitySymptoms Reduced nutrient uptake due to decreased root respiration Interveinal chlorosis of emerging leaves, coarse, sparse, and blackened roots, Toxicity occurs at >0.07 mg H2S per L in soil solution Management Midseason drainage at mid tillering stage (25–30 DAT/DAS), Avoiding flooding and maintain moist conditions for 7–10 days Apply K, P, lime and Mg fertilizers, and Fe (salts, oxides) to immobilize H2S . Avoid large quantities of organic matter application Dry plough field after harvest to oxidize S and Fe

Aluminium Aluminium toxicitytoxicity

SymptomsSymptoms Orange-yellow interveinal Orange-yellow interveinal

chlorosis of younger leaveschlorosis of younger leaves Poor growth stunted plantsPoor growth stunted plants Yellow to white mottling of Yellow to white mottling of

interveins, followed by leaf tip interveins, followed by leaf tip death and leaf margin scorchdeath and leaf margin scorch

Necrosis of chlorotic areas Necrosis of chlorotic areas occurs if Al toxicity is severeoccurs if Al toxicity is severe

OccurrenceOccurrence Al toxicity is major constraint in Al toxicity is major constraint in

acid upland soils of pH <5.2 with acid upland soils of pH <5.2 with large exchangeable Al content large exchangeable Al content in NEH, Jharkhand, WB, Assam, in NEH, Jharkhand, WB, Assam,

Acid sulfate soils when grown Acid sulfate soils when grown as upland crop few weeks as upland crop few weeks before floodingbefore flooding

Al toxicity managementAl toxicity management Planting tolerant cultivars which accumulate less Al and Planting tolerant cultivars which accumulate less Al and

absorb Ca and P efficiently e.g. IR43,CO37 and Basmati absorb Ca and P efficiently e.g. IR43,CO37 and Basmati 370370

Liming of soil with CaCO3 preferably dolomite lime to Liming of soil with CaCO3 preferably dolomite lime to supply Mg @ 2-4 t/ha to neutralize soil acidity and replace supply Mg @ 2-4 t/ha to neutralize soil acidity and replace exchangeable Al. exchangeable Al.

Correct sub soil acidity by leaching soluble source of Ca Correct sub soil acidity by leaching soluble source of Ca like gypsum / phosphogypsum / SSP / limelike gypsum / phosphogypsum / SSP / lime

Incorporate 1 t/ha of reactive rock phosphate to supply P Incorporate 1 t/ha of reactive rock phosphate to supply P Planting Al-tolerant cultivars such as IR43, CO Planting Al-tolerant cultivars such as IR43, CO 37, and 37, and

Basmati 370 which complex soluble Al by root Basmati 370 which complex soluble Al by root exhudates and accumulate P, Mg and Caexhudates and accumulate P, Mg and Ca

Soil mulching and / or green manuring / organic Soil mulching and / or green manuring / organic manuring prevents water loss and phytotoxicitymanuring prevents water loss and phytotoxicity

Boron toxicity Occurs in arid and semi arid regions, high in temperature, in volcanic soils Use of B-rich groundwater, sewage and municipal wastes or borax Critical toxicity limits of B in soils - > 4 mg/ kg (0.05N HCl) or > 5 mg B per kg (hot-water soluble B) or > 2 mg B per L in irrigation water. Symptoms Plants show brownish leaf tips and dark brown elliptical spots on leavesManagement Deep plowing during off season and leaching, use of surface water with low B content or dilution, Growing tolerant varieties like IR42, IR46, IR48, IR54,

Si deficiency Rice absorbs ~100 kg Si per ton of grain. Si-deficient plants are susceptible to lodging with soft, droopy leaves and culms, Lower leaves with yellow / brown necrotic, Critical concentration for Si - 40 mg Si per kg soil (1 M Na acetate 4.0 pH) Si deficiency occurs in old and strongly weathered, leached acid soils, and due to removal of rice straw , excessive use of N. Si deficiency is not yet common in intensive irrigated rice systems of tropical Asia.Management of Si deficiency Recycling rice straw (5–6% Si), and rice husks (10%), applying rice hull ash and balanced nutrient use of NPK Apply granular silicate fertilizers for rapid correction- Ca silicate: 120–200 kg/ha; K silicate: 40–60 kg/ha Apply basic slag @2-3 t/ha once in two years, or fly ash (23% Si) use is beneficial Foliar spray Si @0.1-0.2% with sodium silicate improve Si nutrition

Efficient genotypes for Efficient genotypes for nutrient stress situationnutrient stress situation

StressStress GenotypesGenotypes

Low NLow N Swarna, Sarjoo-52, Bejhary, Swarna, Sarjoo-52, Bejhary, Pranava, SalivahanaPranava, Salivahana

Low PLow P Rasi, RPA 5929, MTU 2400, Rasi, RPA 5929, MTU 2400, Vikramarya Vikramarya

Low ZnLow Zn CSR 10, Sarjoo-52, Vikas, IR-30864 CSR 10, Sarjoo-52, Vikas, IR-30864

Fe Fe toxicitytoxicity

Mahsuri, Phalguna, Dhanrasi Mahsuri, Phalguna, Dhanrasi

Low nutrient use efficiency in rice Low nutrient use efficiency in rice

NutrientNutrient Efficiency (%)Efficiency (%)

NN 30-4030-40

PP 15-2015-20

KK 40-5040-50

ZnZn 2-52-5

FeFe 1-21-2

SS 20-2520-25

A B C

Distribution of Sulphur Deficiency (240 Districts)

A- 45% Districts having > 40% soil samples deficient in SB- 40% Districts having 20-40% soil samples deficient in SC- 15% Districts having < 20% soil samples deficient in S

AVAILABILITY INDICES FOR MICRONUTRIENTS

MicronutrientMicronutrient IndicesIndices Critical level (ppm) Critical level (ppm) RangeRange

MeanMean

BB Hot water solubleHot water soluble 0.1-2.00.1-2.0 0.70.7

CuCu Mehilch No.1Mehilch No.1DTPA + CaClDTPA + CaCl22 (pH 7.3) (pH 7.3)

AB-DTPA (pH 7.6)AB-DTPA (pH 7.6)

0.1-100.1-100.12-2.50.12-2.5

3.03.00.80.81.81.8

FeFe DTPA + CaClDTPA + CaCl22 (pH 7.3) (pH 7.3)

AB-DTPA (pH 7.6)AB-DTPA (pH 7.6)2.4-5.02.4-5.0 4.04.0

4.04.0

MnMn Mehilch No.1Mehilch No.1DTPA + CaClDTPA + CaCl22 (pH 7.3) (pH 7.3)

0.03 0.03 MM H H33POPO44

AB-DTPA (pH 7.6) AB-DTPA (pH 7.6)

4-84-81.0-2.01.0-2.00-200-20

7.07.01.41.410101.81.8

MoMo (NH(NH44))22CC22OO44 (pH 3.3) (pH 3.3) 0.04-0.20.04-0.2 --

ZnZn 0.1N HCl0.1N HClMehlich No.1Mehlich No.1DTPA + CaClDTPA + CaCl22 (pH 7.3) (pH 7.3)

AB-DTPA (pH 7.6)AB-DTPA (pH 7.6)

2.0-10.02.0-10.00.5-3.00.5-3.0

0.25-2.00.25-2.0

551.11.10.80.81.51.5

Major management-related Major management-related concerns in Agricultural concerns in Agricultural

Production Production Increasing food demand >300 Mt. by 2025; Rice - Increasing food demand >300 Mt. by 2025; Rice -

>130 Mt >130 Mt Low and imbalanced use of fertilizers and OM -Low and imbalanced use of fertilizers and OM -

negative balance, soil nutrient depletion, low NUE negative balance, soil nutrient depletion, low NUE and declining soil qualityand declining soil quality

Blanket fertilizer management over large domainsBlanket fertilizer management over large domainsIncreasing area under water and management Increasing area under water and management

induced soil degradation induced soil degradation Stagnation/ deceleration in productivity growth in Stagnation/ deceleration in productivity growth in

intensive rice crop systemsintensive rice crop systemsChanging pest and disease intensity and scenarioChanging pest and disease intensity and scenario