A Proposal on:

EFFECT OF NITROGEN MANAGEMENT USING LEAF COLOUR CHART (LCC)

ON NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY AND GROWTH HABIT IN DIFFERENT RICE
VARIETIES.

Principal researcher : Manshi Jaiswal

Mobile No: 9867416941

Email : shivaneeejaiswal@gmail.com

Major advisor: Professor Raju Kharel.

Department of Genetics and Plant breeding
Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU)
Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal.

Project location: Tilkahana,Kapilvastu

Responsible Organization: Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU)

Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal.

Starting date: February 13, 2020

Type of project: Research

Sector: Agronomy

Commodity: Rice

Budget : NRs. 31,165

Contents
LIST OF TABLES............................................................................................................................................4
LIST OF FIGURES.....................................................................................................................................4
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS..................................................................................................5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................7
1.INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................8
1.1 Background........................................................................................................................................8
1.2 Statement of problem.......................................................................................................................9
1.3 Justification of the study....................................................................................................................9
1.4 Objectives........................................................................................................................................10
1.4.1 General Objective.....................................................................................................................10
1.4.2 Specific Objectives....................................................................................................................10
1.5 Limitation of the study.....................................................................................................................10
2. Litrature Review....................................................................................................................................10
2.1 Rice Production................................................................................................................................10
2.2 Varietal area share in spring (chaite) season....................................................................................11
2.3 Nitrogen in rice................................................................................................................................12
2.3.1 Role of nitrogen in rice.............................................................................................................12
2.3.2 Nitrogen excess........................................................................................................................12
2.4 Leaf Color Chart (LCC)...............................................................................................................13
2.4.1 Origin.......................................................................................................................................13
2.4.2 Advantages of LCC..................................................................................................................13
2.4.3 Green House Gas Reduction by using LCC..............................................................................13
2.4.4 Various findings regarding LCC...............................................................................................13
2.5 Spring rice.......................................................................................................................................14
2.5.1 Production season.....................................................................................................................14
2.5.2 Varietal Area Share in Spring (Chaite) Season........................................................................14
2.5.3 Varieties involved in the research.............................................................................................14
2.6 Area and production of rice in Nepal...............................................................................................15
2.7 Recommended Fertilizer requirement by Rice.................................................................................15
3. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK..........................................................................................................16
4. METHODOLOGY................................................................................................................................17
4.1 Research site and time of research...................................................................................................17
4.2 Weather condition :.........................................................................................................................17
4.2 Experimental details........................................................................................................................18
4.2.1 Experimental materials.............................................................................................................18
4.2.2 Nursery Preparation..................................................................................................................18
4.2.3 Main field preparation..............................................................................................................18
4.2.4 Weeding....................................................................................................................................18
4.2.5 Irrigation...................................................................................................................................18
4.2.6 Design of the experiment..........................................................................................................19
4.2.7 Treatment details......................................................................................................................19
4.2.8 Layout of the field....................................................................................................................20
4.2.9 The ANOVA table of RCBD for field experiment.......................................................................22
4.2.10 Data collection........................................................................................................................22
4.2.11 Data analysis:..............................................................................................................................23
5. EXPECTED OUTCOME......................................................................................................................23
6. BENEFICIARIES..................................................................................................................................23
7.RISKS AND LIMITATIONS.................................................................................................................23
8. GANTT CHART ( WORK SCHEDULE):............................................................................................24
9. BUDGET SUMMARY:........................................................................................................................25
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1:Production trend of rice in Nepal.......................................................................................8
Table 2:Area share of main varieties during Spring (Chaite) season.............................................8
Table 3: Varieties involved in the research...................................................................................12
Table 4: Area and production of rice in Nepal.............................................................................12
Table 5: Recommended fertilizer for rice......................................................................................12

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Conceptual framework of rice production.....................................................................13
Figure 2:Map of Nepal showing research site, Kapilvastu District...............................................14
 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

% : Percentage

°C : Degree Celcius

AFU : Agriculture and Forestry University

OM : Organic Matter

Kg : kilogram

Ha : Hectare

MASL : Meter Above Sea Level

N : Nitrogen

P :Phosphorus

K : Potassium

FY :Fiscal Year

MT :Metric Ton

FYM :Farm Yard Manure

PMAMP :Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project

CV : Coefficient of Variance

df : Degree of freedom

DMRT : Ducan’s Multiple Range Test

GDP : Gross Domestic Product

MoAD : Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development

MOP : Muriate of Potash

RCBD :Randomized Complete Block Design

NPK : Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium

T : Treatment

LCC :Leaf Color Chart

QQT : Quality Quantity and Time

IRRI :International Rice Research Institute

MV : Modern Variety
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) has a special significance in Asia, where about 90% of the rice is
produced and consumed as a staple food. ". It occupies 58 percent of the total cultivated land and
55 percent of the total food grain production and provides more than 50 percent of total calorie
requirement of the Nepalese people[ CITATION MOA171 \l 1033 ]. . The farmers hereby are using
Nitrogen fertilizer haphazardly and untimely in rice field. Fertilizer application knowhow is
lacking in terms of quality, quantity and time(QQT). Plant N status is better indicator of the N
availability thus Leaf color chart have emerged which can indirectly estimate crop N status and
help in timely nitrogen application in required amount. The major experimental materials which
will be used in the research are two varieties of rice, Chaite -5 and Hardinath-3 having 125 and
120 maturity days respectively.The experimental field id divided into 30 plots (2x2m) in two
factorial RCBD design. Organic source of nutrients, FYM and inorganic sources of nutrients,
Urea, DAP and MoP will be used .Besides this, LEAF COLOUR CHART (LCC) will also be
used. When N application is non synchronized with crop demand, N losses from the soil plant
system are large, resulting in low N fertilizer use efficiency. The research focuses on proper use
of LCC, Saving of Nitrogen fertilizer without decreasing the yield of rice and appropriate
application of N fertilizer in right amout and right time.
1.INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) has a special significance in Asia, where about 90% of the rice is
produced and consumed as a staple food. Rice is by far the most important crop in Nepal and
accounts for about 50 percent of the total agricultural area and production in the country. It is
grown on about 1.45 million ha, and total production since 1988/89 has hovered between 3.2
million and 3.5 million tonnes. Rice contributes approximately one-fourth of GDP and more than
75 percent of the working population is engaged in rice farming for at least six months of the
year.In Asia more than 2 billion people obtain 60 to 70% of their calories from rice [ CITATION
Dow98 \l 1033 ].

World rice production should be increase by approximately 1% annually to meet the

growing demand for food that will result from population growth and economic development
[ CITATION Hor04 \l 1033 ].. Rice production, amounting to about half of the total cereal grains
produced in the country, is Nepal’s most important crop [ CITATION Ghi13 \l 1033 ] . Nepal is a
mountainous country with a great diversity of rice ecosystem. Rice is grown in all agro-
ecological zones ranging from Terai (Jhapa, 60 m) to the high mountains (Chumchaur, Jumla
3050 m). There are many landraces suited to diverse agro-climate and farmers’ needs [ CITATION
jos06 \l 1033 ]. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) or Dhaan in Nepali, is an annual, self-pollinated and semi-
aquatic plant of Poaceae Family.

Considering the increasing demand of rice due to population increase and decreasing land
and water resources available for rice cultivation, it is critical to develop and use rice
technologies that will result in higher yields (Virmani and Kumar, 2004).

The general classification of Rice is as follows:

Kingdom:Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Liliopsida

Order: Poales

Family: Poaceae

Genus: Oryza

Species: sativa
 More than 90% of the total rice production as well as consumption is in Asian region, that
is why it is said "Rice brings the Asians together ". It occupies 58 percent of the total cultivated
land and 55 percent of the total food grain production and provides more than 50 percent of total
calorie requirement of the Nepalese people[ CITATION MOA171 \l 1033 ]. Nepal is considered as
one of the origin center of rice. In 2016/17 rice occupied 1552469ha land with the production of
5230327 metric tons and the productivity of 3.37 tons per hectare[ CITATION MOA171 \l 1033 ].
The crop is grown at the altitude ranging from 60 to 3,050 masl. From all altitude points of view,
3,050 masl, is the highest place where rice is grown in the world. JumliMarshi is one of the best
cold tolerant local rice varieties, which is grown in the high altitude of Nepal.

1.2 Statement of problem

Kapilvastu is one of the leading district in rice cultivation. According to the zone profile
2075/76 total area production of rice in this district is 72000 ha and 210582 MT per ha and the
productivity is 2925 kg per ha. Total production of rice is decreasing but the demand of rice is
increasing with increased population. The soil fertility status of Nepal is poor and soil fertility is
declining year by year due to various factors. Nitrogen deficiency problem causes yield loss.
When N application is non synchronized with crop demand, N losses from the soil plant system
are large, resulting in low N fertilizer use efficiency. Hence, plant need-based application of N is
crucial for achieving high yield and N-use efficiency. The farmers hereby are using Nitrogen
fertilizer haphazardly and untimely in rice field. Fertilizer application knowhow is lacking in
terms of quality, quantity and time (QQT).

1.3 Justification of the study

Fertilizer nitrogen (N) is one of the major inputs in rice–wheat production systems in
South Asia. As fertilizer N has generally been managed following blanket recommendations
consisting of two or three split applications of preset rates of the total amount of N, improvement
in N use efficiency could not be achieved beyond a limit. Feeding crop N needs is the most
appropriate fertilizer N management strategy to further improve N use efficiency. Plant N status
is better indicator of the N availability thus Leaf colour chart have emerged which can indirectly
estimate crop N status and help in timely nitrogen application in required amount. . Application
of N fertilizer whenever leaf greenness was less than shade 4 on the LCC (the critical LCC
value) produced rice grain yields on a par with blanket recommendation of applying 120 kg
N ha−1 in three equal splits in different years, but it resulted in an average saving of 26% fertilizer
N across villages and seasons.[ CITATION Yad07 \l 1033 ] The research focuses on the use of Leaf
Colour Chart(LCC) for N management in spring rice and evaluate the need-based N
management strategies for rice using LCC .

1.4 Objectives
1.4.1 General Objective
 To Evaluate the effect of N management by using Leaf Color Chart (LCC) on nitrogen
use efficiency.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

 To save N without decreasing yield of rice.
 To avoid expenditure on soil test for the recommendation of N fertilizers.
 To find out the efficiency of LCC for the N economy as well as increasing yield.

1.5 Limitation of the study

There is the some problem with the research regarding material collection and performance of
the cultivar according to the climate. Some limitations are as follows.

 Results are varied according to growing season.

 Attack of bird, jackel and domestic animal.
 Adverse climate may cause failure of research.
 Unavailability of agri-inputs.

2. Litrature Review
2.1 Rice Production
Rice is grown in all the three major agro-ecological regions i.e. Terai and Inner Terai,
Hills and Mountains that include approximately 71%, 24% and 5% respectively of the total rice
cultivation areas in the country. Rice is cultivated in the diverse eco-climatic ranges of Nepal at
differing altitudes, topography, climate, in floods, waterlogged land, drought, in problem soil and
with weed infestation, with disease and pests. Thus, we can say rice is a unique plant, which
thrives well in all the agro-ecological zones. Rice plays a significant role in national economy,
contributing 20% to the agricultural GDP and about 7% to GDP in the country [ CITATION
Placeholder1 \l 1033 ]. In order to improve rice production, adoption of recommended rice
production practices is imperative. These include recommended rice varieties, fertilizers,
spacing, weeding, and pest management.
Table 1: Production trend of rice in Nepal

S.N. Fiscal year Area(ha) Production (mt) Productivity(mt per ha)

1 2011/12 1531493 5072248 3.31
2 2012/13 1420570 4304503 3.17
3 2013/14 1486951 507047 3.39
4 2014/15 1425346 4788612 3.36
5 2015/16 1362908 4299079 3.15
6 2016/17 1552469 5230327 3.369
7 2017/18 1469545 5151925 3.506

Source: (MOAD, STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON NEPALEASE AGRICULTURE

2016/2017, 2018)

2.2 Varietal area share in spring (chaite) season

The coverage of MVs for spring rice is highest in Terai (76.0%), followed by hills (18.18%) and
the mountains (5.82%). The area share of the different MVs cultivated during the spring season
is presented in table. It shows that 13 specific named varieties were reported to be cultivated,
among them, Hardinath-1 occupies around 56.05 percent of the total area followed by Chaite-2
(14.55%) and Chaite-4 (6.33%). Few non-registered varieties are also reported.

Table 2:Area share of main varieties during Spring (Chaite) season

S.N Varieties Area(ha) Area share (%)

1 Hardinath -1 62957 56.05
2 Chaite -2 16345 14.55
3 Chaite -4 7110 6.33
4 CH -45 6153 5.48
5 Kanchan 2786 2.48
6 Radha -11 1084 0.97
7 Kanchhimansuli 1058 0.94
8 Chaite -6PR-101 790 0.70
9 PR-101 731 0.65
10 Khumal-11 382 0.34
11 Chaite-1 288 0.26
12 Sabitri 217 0.19
13 Hardinath-2 208 0.19
14 Other/local 12204 10.87
Total 112313 100%
2.3 Nitrogen in rice

2.3.1 Role of nitrogen in rice

Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient being a component of amino acids, nucleic acids,
nucleotides, chlorophyll, enzymes, and hormones. N promotes rapid plant growth and improves
grain yield and grain quality through higher tillering, leaf area development, grain formation,
grain filling, and protein synthesis. N is highly mobile within the plant and soil.[ CITATION htt \l
1033 ]

Rice needs nitrogen almost throughout the vegetative cycle, but in particular at tillering and

panicle initiation stages. Nitrogen accumulates first in the leaves (vegetative phase) then
migrates to the panicles and grains (maturity). At maturity, 75% of the nitrogen assimilated is
present in the grains.[ CITATION RICE \l 1033 ]. Nitrogen is the most limiting element in almost all
soils. Thus, proper application of N fertilizers is vital to improve crop growth and grain yields,
especially in intensive agricultural systems. Insufficient and/or inappropriate fertilizer N
management can be detrimental to crops and the environment. Optimal N management strategies
aim at matching fertilizer N supply with actual crop demand, thus maximizing crop N uptake and
reducing N losses to the environment.

2.3.2 Nitrogen excess

When plants receive too much nitrogen (N), they become more attractive to insects and diseases.
It can also cause excessive growth and reduce the strength of the stems.Problems in excess N
happens where fertilizers are relatively cheap and farmers do not understand the correct amount
of nitrogen required relative to their yield goals, and the right time of N application.[ CITATION
htt \l 1033 ]

Fields with excessive nitrogen have plants that:

 look overly green.

 may be healthy, but also may be lodged at maturity (especially in direct-seeded rice)

 may have thin stems.

 may be prone to disease (e.g., bacterial leaf blight, sheath blight, blast) or insects (leaf
folder).

 There can also be patchy patterns resulting from uneven application across the field.
2.4 Leaf Color Chart (LCC)

2.4.1 Origin
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Philippine Rice Research Institute used
the concept and jointly further improved the LCC in late 1990s to assist farmers to apply N
fertilizer at right amount as and when needed by the plant[ CITATION Shu04 \l 1033 ] .The LCC is
also suitable for the wheat and maize providing farmers with the good diagnostic tool for
detecting N deficiency.

The LCC is an innovative cost effective tool for real-time or crop-need-based n management in
Rice, Maize ,Wheat. LCC is a visual and subjective indicator of plant Nitrogen deficiency and is
inexpensive, easy to use and simple alternative to chlorophyll meter/SPAD meter. It measures
leaf color intensity that is related to leaf N status. It is an eco-friendly tool in the hands of
farmers as it optimize the N use irrespective of source if N applied, viz., organic manure,
biologically fixed N , or chemical fertilizer.

2.4.2 Advantages of LCC

 Better crops
 Avoid diseases
 Fertilizer at right quantity at right time when crops need
 Save money for farmers
With the use of LCC, the estimated annual saving of ures is 834,000 tons for India if 50% of
farmers use LCC in the irrigated rice area of 22.3 million ha.For whole Asia,except China, the
potential annual saving of urea is estimated at 1,2,3,4 million tons,respectively,with 25,50,75 and
100% of farmers using LCC in irrigated rice.[ CITATION NIT \l 1033 ]

2.4.3 Green House Gas Reduction by using LCC

As the use of LCC, leads to the application of optimum and précised quantity of nitrogen to rice
paddy as and when required, there is a considerable reduction in the GHGE from rice fields.

2.4.4 Various findings regarding LCC

Adoption of LCC saved N by 25 kg per ha (19.4%), with the highest saving of 31.4 kg per
ha(21.0%) in the boro season. Adoption of LCC resulted in 50, 60 and 90 kg additional paddy
per ha in the pre kharif, kharif and boro seasons, respectively. LCC adoption also reduced
insecticide applications by 50%. Economic benefit of LCC adoption estimated at Rs. 1107 (US$
27.0) ha1 in boro followed by Rs. 808 (US$ 19.7) per ha in kharif and Rs. 778 (US$ 19.0)per ha
in pre-kharif season.[ CITATION Zah07 \l 1033 ]

Through the use of LCC, 20–42.5 kg N ha–1 can be saved, over that of the highest level of fixed-
timing N applications. Use of LCC and SPAD is economically viable and cost effective.
[ CITATION Deb04 \l 1033 ]
Limited experimentation with leaf color chart (LCC) indicated that N management based on
LCC shade 4 helped avoid over application of N to rice.[ CITATION Bij02 \l 1033 ]

2.5 Spring rice

2.5.1 Production season

Spring Rice is sown in the last week of February to the first week of March and follows
transplanting of 30-40 days old seedlings. The month of transplanting coincides with the Nepali
month “Chaitra” and so is named as Chaite rice. This crop also needs assured irrigation from
various sources. In total, 11 rice varieties are released for this production environment. The
Chaite rice is reported to be cultivated in 50 districts (mountain-5, hills-29 and Terai 16 districts)
in an area of 1, 12, 313 hectares. Out of this, the share of OPVs, hybrids and local is 90.16, 1.31
and 8.53 percent, respectively. The coverage area of spring rice for mountain, hill and Terai is
found to be 5.48, 24.85 and 69.67 percent, respectively.[ CITATION Ric1 \l 1033 ]

The Chaite rice in foot hills/valleys and the hills is 2-4 weeks earlier than in Terai and inner
Terai. It is grown mostly in perennial source irrigation system. River basin areas of mid-hill
region throughout the country are potential belt for growing this crop. The crop is also called
“Hiunde” rice as it is sown in winter months (first to second week of February). The most
popular MVs cultivated are Hardinath-1, Chaite-2, Chaite-4, CH-45, and others. The Hardinath-1
is planted in Jhapa, Bara and other eastern and central Terai districts while the Chaite-2 is
cultivated in Morang, Jhapa, Sunsari, Bara, Dhanusha and Chitwan districts and CH-45 in hilly
districts of central and western region.

2.5.2 Varietal Area Share in Spring (Chaite) Season

The coverage of MVs for spring or Chaite rice is the highest in the Terai (76.0%) followed by
the hills (18.18%) and the mountains (5.82%). The area share of the different MVs cultivated
during the Chaite season is presented in Table 22. It shows that 13 specific named varieties were
reported to be cultivated, among them, the Hardinath-1 occupies around 56.05 percent of the
total area followed by Chaite-2 (14.55%) and Chaite-4 (6.33%). [ CITATION Ric1 \l 1033 ]

2.5.3 Varieties involved in the research

Table 3: Varieties involved in the research

S.No Name of realeased Year of Yield Maturity Recommendation

. variety release Potential(Mt/ha (days) domain
)
Tarai(700 masl),
1. Chaite-5 2074(2018) 4.6 120-125 Inner Tarai,
River basins,
2. Hardinath-3 2074 (2018) 5.5 125 Foot hills and
plain.
Source : [ CITATION NARC \l 1033 ]
2.6 Area and production of rice in Nepal
Table 4: Area and production of rice in Nepal

S.No Fiscal Year Area (ha) Production

.
1. 2072/73 1362908 4299079
2. 2073/74 1552469 4230327
3. 2074/75 1469545 5151925
Source : [ CITATION Placeholder1 \l 1033 ]

2.7 Recommended Fertilizer requirement by Rice

Table 5: Recommended fertilizer for rice

S.No. Fertilizer Irrigated Rainfed

1. FYM(MT/ha) 6 6

Requried Nutreints
2. Nitrogen(kg/ha) 100 60
3. Phosphorus(kg/ha) 30 20
4. Potash(kg/ha) 30 20

Required chemical fertilizer

5. Urea (kg/ha) 191.9 113.4
6. DAP(kg/ha) 65.224 3.84
7. MOP(kg/ha) 50.0 33.33
Source:[ CITATION Krishidairy \l 1033 ]
3. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

socio-economic factors
Proverty
Land fragmentation
Lack of labour
Poor land holding capacity
traditional cultivation practices

Technology
Varietal improvement through
Tisse culture technique such as Problems
meristerm tip culture Climate change
Direct dry seed bed Rice Low production
Walking rice transpalnater
Production Incidence of Fungal diseases
and pests
Use of improved local drier Price variation

Outcomes
Better yield of crop
Reduction in post harvest
loss
Better quality
High market price

Figure 1: Conceptual framework of rice production

4. METHODOLOGY

4.1 Research site and time of research

The research will be conducted in Tilkahana, Banganga municipality which is commanded by
Rice SuperZone under the PMAMP. The Rice Superzone (Banganga municipality) is located in
northern part of Kapilvastu. It lies at latitude of 27˚38'44” N and longitude of 83˚10’16’’E with
the total coverage of 1938 sq.km. The study site is a low land plain area dominated with alluvial
clay soil about 63.9 masl. The research has been carried out from 13th February, 2020.

Figure 2:Map of Nepal showing research site, Kapilvastu District

4.2 Weather condition :

The research site lies in the tropical zone of Nepal. It is characterized by three distinct seasons
namely, rainy monsoon (June-October), cool winter (November-February), and mild spring
(March-May).Research will be conducted during the month of mid February to mid june.
4.2 Experimental details

4.2.1 Experimental materials

The major experimental materials which will be used in the research are two varieties of rice,
Chaite -5 and Hardinath-3 having 125 and 120 maturity days respectively. Organic source of
nutrients, FYM and inorganic sources of nutrients, Urea, DAP and MoP will be used.Besides
this, LEAF COLOUR CHART (LCC) will also be used. The Leaf Color Chart (LCC) is used to
determine the N fertilizer needs of rice crops. LCC has four green strips, with color ranging from
yellow green to dark green. It determines the greenness of the rice leaf, which indicates its N
content.

How to use the Leaf Colour Chart ?

Step 1: Select plants for testing

Step 2: Match the leaf to the chart

Step 3: Measure the leaf color

Step 4: Determine the average LCC

We will use the LCC once every 7-10 days starting from the beginning of tillering and continue
this process up to 5-10 days after panicle initiation.

4.2.2 Nursery Preparation

The nursery bed will be ploughed with rotavater and leveled .Mop and DAP along with FYM
will be applied at the rate of 0.5kg,0.7kg and 3 kg respectively in the nursery bed .The soaked
seed are sown after puddling in the morning or evening. Urea is applied after 10-14DAS. If
necessary herbicide will be used. The seedlings will be ready 22DAS.

4.2.3 Main field preparation

The main field will be heavily ploughed and tillered 3 times and puddled. The size of main field
will be 28.4x8.5 m with 30 different plots (2.4x2.4m). Urea, DAP and MOP will be applied as
per the treatments in each corresponding plot. The main source of irrigation will be nearby solar
pump. The seedlings will be transplanted manually in line at 20x20cm spacing.

4.2.4 Weeding
The weed infestation is higher in spring rice as compared to main season rice .The pre-
emergence weedicide will be applied in the field during preparation. If not, manual weeding will
be done 2 times as 25 DAT and 45DAT respectively.

4.2.5 Irrigation
Rice require more quantity of water than other crops .The wrong concept of waterlogged
condition in rice in farmers is a big problem .Rice required more water at critical stages;
vegetative, panicle initiation and grain filling stage. The rice field will be irrigated at
7DAT,30DAT,tillering,after 1 month alternate dry and wet condition.The source of irrigation
will be the solar water pump which is provided by PMAMP rice supersone ,Kapilvastu to the
farmers at 85% subsidy.

4.2.6 Design of the experiment

The experiment will be carried out in a two factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)
consisting 10 treatments (variety and nitrogen) and will be replicated three times. The total
experimental field will be 241.4 m2 (28.4x8.5 m2) with 1 meter margin between replications and
outside the field border. The space between individual plots will be 0.5 meter between rows and
within rows.

4.2.7 Treatment details

The 5 different treatments involved in the research are:

T1 = Recommended dose (3 Splits of N as 1/3, 1/3,1/3 )

T2 = Recommended dose (3 Splits of N as ¼ , ½ , ¼ )
T3 =Using Leaf Color Chart (LCC) for Nitrogen fertilizer application.
T4 = Control (Zero Nitrogen )
T5 = Farmer’s Practices
4.2.8 Layout of the field

B2 A3 B5
A3 B3 A1
B4 A1 A5
A5 A4 B1
A2 B4 A4
B1 B2 A3
B3 B5 B4
A4 B1 A2
B5 A5 B3

A1 A2 B2

Total gross area: 241.4m2 ( Length = 28.4 m and Breadth = 8.5 m )

Space between different plots : 0.4m

Net production area: 172.8 m2

Space between different replication block : 0.4 m

Area of each plot: 2.4 m × 2.4 m =5.76 m2

 2.4 m 0.4m

2.4 m 0.4m
B2 A3 B5

0.25 m A3 B3 A1 0.25

B4 A1 A5
28.4 m

A5 A4 B1

A1 B4 A4

B1 B2 A3

B3 B5 B4

A4 B1 A2

B5 A5 B3

A1 A2 B2
4.2.9 The ANOVA table of RCBD for field experiment

Source of Degree of Sum of Square Mean sum of Fcal value Ftab value
Variance freedom(df) Square

Replication r-1=2 5% 1%

Treatment ab-1=9
Variety (A) a-1 = 1
Nitrogen (B) b-1 = 4
A×B (a-1)(b-1) = 4

Error (r-1)(ab-1)=18

Total rab-1 =29

** Significant at 1% level

4.2.10 Data collection

4.2.10.1 Plant height(cm)

Randomly selected and tagged 10 plants will be used for phenological recording for the
measurement of plant height at an interval of 15 days interval.

4.2.10.2 No of tiller per square meter

Observation of randomly selected 10 hills,tillers per square meter will be recorded with the help
of a quadrate (1m × 1m) in each stage of the crop and the average values will be used to obtain
the tiller per square meter.

4.2.10.3 Leaf Area Index (LAI)

One sample is recorded from each plot, counting number of leaves in a hill and measuring the
length breadth of leaves. The LAI is calculated as;

Leaf Area= Length x Breadth x 0.78

And, LAI = Leaf Area / Ground Area

4.2.10.4 No of effective tiller per square meter

The number of effective tiller per square meter will be calculated for each plot just before
harvesting the crop. The tiller having filled grains will be recorded as effective tiller.

4.2.10.5 Panicle Length(cm)

The randomly selected 10 panicle from each hill will be used to measure the panicle length and
value will be taken as panicle length.
4.2.10.6 No of grains per panicle
The average number of grains will be taken as final data from 10 selected samples in the
experiment.

4.2.10.7 Thousand grain weight

Samples will be selected from each treatment and will be weighed thousand grains by weighing
machine.

4.2.11 Data analysis:

All the recorded data will be arranged systematically treatment-wise under three replications on
the basis of various observed parameters. A simple correlation and regression will be established
among the selected parameters with reference to Gomez and Gomez, 1984.The treatments were
randomized by creating random table in EXCEL.

Different statistical tools as M-STAT and EXCEL will be used for the analysis of variance and
other data analysis.

5. EXPECTED OUTCOME
 Proper use of LCC.
 Saving of Nitrogen fertilizer without decreasing the yield of rice.
 Appropriate application of N fertilizer in right amout and right time.

6. BENEFICIARIES
 Primary- commercial paddy farmers as well as subsistance farmers.
 Secondary-Academicians, researchers ,NGOs and INGOs involved in related
investigation and study.
 Tertiary- policy makers and PMAMP involved in the policy formulation in order to use
this information as the source of progress report for further increase production of rice.

7.RISKS AND LIMITATIONS

 Biotic and abiotic factors will remain normal during research period.
 The donor agency will be satisfied with the work and provide financial support in time.
 Research material will be available in time.
 Farmers and responsible organization/institutions will co-operate the study.
8. GANTT CHART ( WORK SCHEDULE):

S. Activities Magh Falgun Chaitra Baisakh Jestha Ashad

N
1 Review of
literature
2 Field visit and
problem
identification
3 Site selection
and input
collection
4 Field
preparation and
seed sowing
5 Intercultural
operation
6 Data collection
from the
experiment
7 Data analysis
and report
writing
8 Presentation
9. BUDGET SUMMARY:
S.N. PARTICULARS ESTIMATED COST
1 Literature review 2,000
2 Land preparation and layout 3,000
3 Seed and seed sowing 1,200
4 Irrigation 3,000
5 Fertilizer 2,800
6 Uprooting and Transplanting 4,500
7 Pesticides 1,300
6 Data recording 2,300
7 Intercultural operation 5,800
8 Data entry and analysis 2,200
9 Final report analysis 2,000
10 Subtotal 27,100
11 Overhead(10%) 2,710
12 Contingency (5%) 1,355
13 Total 31,165
References:

Rice Knowlegde bank. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/training/fact-

sheets/nutrient-management/item/nitrogen.

(CDD), C. D. (2015). RICE VARIETAL MAPPING IN NEPAL:IMPLICATION FOR

DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTATION. New Era Offset Press.

(MOAD), M. o. (2076). Krishi Dairy. lalitpur: Government of Nepal,MOAD.

Bijay Singh, Y. S. (2002). Chlorophyll Meter– and Leaf Color Chart–Based Nitrogen
Management for Rice and Wheat in Northwestern India. Agronomy .

Debtanu Maiti, D. D. (2004). Management of Nitrogen Through the Use of Leaf Color Chart
(LCC) and Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) or Chlorophyll Meter in Rice Under
Irrigated Ecosystem . The scientific world .

Dowling , N., Greenfield, S., & Fisher, K. (1998). Sustain Ability of Rice in the Global Food
System. Philippines: International rice research institute Los Banos.

FAO. (1995). WORLD RICE INFORMATION.

Ghimire, S., Dhungana, S., Krishna, V. V., No, T., & Sherchan, D. (2013). Biophysical and
socio-economic characterization of cereal production systems of Central Nepal. Socioeconomics
Program Working Paper 9 .

Horie, T., Shiraiwa, T., & Homa, K. (2004). Can yields of lowland rice resumes the increases
that they showed in the 1980? Australia: Proceedings of the 4th International Crop Science
Congress Brisbane.

http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/training/fact-sheets/nutrient-management/item/nitrogen.
(n.d.). Retrieved from knowledgebank.irri.org.

joshi, G. R., & Pandey, S. (2006). Farmers’ perceptions and adoption of modern rice varieties in
Nepal. Quart J Int Agric, 45(2) , 171.

MOAD. (2017). STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON NEPAALEASE AGRICULTURE

2016/2017. SINGHADURBAR ,KATHMANDU: MOAD.

MOAD. (2018). STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON NEPALEASE AGRICULTURE 2016/2017.

SINGHADURBAR ,KATHMANDU: MOAD.
National Agriculture Research Council (NARC). (n.d.). Retrieved from www.narc.gov.np.

NITROGEN PARAMETERS (LCC). (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.nitrogenparameters.com/about.html.

RICEHUB. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.ricehub.org>nutrients.

Shukla, A. L. (2004). Calibrating the leaf color chart for nitrogen management in differnt
genotypes of rice and wheat in a system perspective.

Yadvinder Singh, B. S. (2007). On farm evaluation of leaf colour for need based nitrogen
management in irrigated transplanted rice in northwest India. Springer Link , 1.

Zahirul Islam, B. B. (2007). Adoption of leaf color chart for nitrogen use efficiency in rice:
Impact assessment of a farmer-participatory experiment in West Bengal, India . ELSEVIER .

Rice Knowlegde bank. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/training/fact-

sheets/nutrient-management/item/nitrogen.

(CDD), C. D. (2015). RICE VARIETAL MAPPING IN NEPAL:IMPLICATION FOR

DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTATION. New Era Offset Press.

(MOAD), M. o. (2076). Krishi Dairy. lalitpur: Government of Nepal,MOAD.

Bijay Singh, Y. S. (2002). Chlorophyll Meter– and Leaf Color Chart–Based Nitrogen
Management for Rice and Wheat in Northwestern India. Agronomy .

Debtanu Maiti, D. D. (2004). Management of Nitrogen Through the Use of Leaf Color Chart
(LCC) and Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) or Chlorophyll Meter in Rice Under
Irrigated Ecosystem . The scientific world .

Dowling , N., Greenfield, S., & Fisher, K. (1998). Sustain Ability of Rice in the Global Food
System. Philippines: International rice research institute Los Banos.

FAO. (1995). WORLD RICE INFORMATION.

Ghimire, S., Dhungana, S., Krishna, V. V., No, T., & Sherchan, D. (2013). Biophysical and
socio-economic characterization of cereal production systems of Central Nepal. Socioeconomics
Program Working Paper 9 .
Horie, T., Shiraiwa, T., & Homa, K. (2004). Can yields of lowland rice resumes the increases
that they showed in the 1980? Australia: Proceedings of the 4th International Crop Science
Congress Brisbane.

http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/training/fact-sheets/nutrient-management/item/nitrogen.
(n.d.). Retrieved from knowledgebank.irri.org.

joshi, G. R., & Pandey, S. (2006). Farmers’ perceptions and adoption of modern rice varieties in
Nepal. Quart J Int Agric, 45(2) , 171.

MOAD. (2017). STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON NEPAALEASE AGRICULTURE

2016/2017. SINGHADURBAR ,KATHMANDU: MOAD.

MOAD. (2018). STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON NEPALEASE AGRICULTURE 2016/2017.

SINGHADURBAR ,KATHMANDU: MOAD.

National Agriculture Research Council (NARC). (n.d.). Retrieved from www.narc.gov.np.

NITROGEN PARAMETERS (LCC). (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.nitrogenparameters.com/about.html.

RICEHUB. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.ricehub.org>nutrients.

Shukla, A. L. (2004). Calibrating the leaf color chart for nitrogen management in differnt
genotypes of rice and wheat in a system perspective.

Yadvinder Singh, B. S. (2007). On farm evaluation of leaf colour for need based nitrogen
management in irrigated transplanted rice in northwest India. Springer Link , 1.

Zahirul Islam, B. B. (2007). Adoption of leaf color chart for nitrogen use efficiency in rice:
Impact assessment of a farmer-participatory experiment in West Bengal, India . ELSEVIER .