Pooniya 2013

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ENRICHMENT OF BASMATI RICE GRAIN

AND STRAW WITH ZINC AND NITROGEN
THROUGH FERTI-FORTIFICATION AND
SUMMER GREEN MANURING UNDER INDO-
GANGETIC PLAINS OF INDIA
a a
VIJAY POONIYA & YASHBIR SINGH SHIVAY
a
Division of Agronomy , Indian Agricultural Research Institute , New
Delhi , India
Accepted author version posted online: 15 Oct 2012.Published
online: 05 Dec 2012.
To cite this article: VIJAY POONIYA & YASHBIR SINGH SHIVAY (2013) ENRICHMENT OF BASMATI RICE
GRAIN AND STRAW WITH ZINC AND NITROGEN THROUGH FERTI-FORTIFICATION AND SUMMER GREEN
MANURING UNDER INDO-GANGETIC PLAINS OF INDIA, Journal of Plant Nutrition, 36:1, 91-117, DOI:
10.1080/01904167.2012.733052
To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2012.733052
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Journal of Plant Nutrition, 36:91–117, 2013
Copyright C Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
ISSN: 0190-4167 print / 1532-4087 online

DOI: 10.1080/01904167.2012.733052
ENRICHMENT OF BASMATI RICE GRAIN AND STRAW WITH ZINC

AND NITROGEN THROUGH FERTI-FORTIFICATION AND SUMMER
GREEN MANURING UNDER INDO-GANGETIC PLAINS OF INDIA
Vijay Pooniya and Yashbir Singh Shivay

Division of Agronomy, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
2 Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a well-identified problem in cereals, resulting in decreased crop yields and
nutritional quality. Approximately half of the world’s population suffers from Zn deficiency. Cereal
crops play an important role in satisfying daily calorie intake in developing world, but they are
inherently very low in grain-Zn concentrations, particularly when grown under Zn-deficient soils.
Therefore, it is essential to increase the Zn concentration in cereal grains particularly in basmati
rice. Application of Zn fertilizers or Zn-enriched [nitrogen (N)- phosphorus (P)- potassium (K)]
fertilizers (ferti-fortification) offers a rapid solution for increasing Zn concentration in grain and
straw. The present study was therefore undertaken to study nutrient concentrations in grain and
straw, their uptake and use-efficiencies as influenced by summer green manuring (SGM) and Zn
fertilization. Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years during summer and rainy
(Kharif) seasons (April–November) of 2008 and 2009; indicated that SGM and Zn fertilization
had significant effects on concentrations and uptake of N, K, sulfur (S), Zn, manganese (Mn),
copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) in basmati rice grain and straw. Amongst the SGM and Zn fertilization
treatments, Sesbania aculeata green manuring (GM) and 2.0% Zn-enriched urea (ZEU) as zinc
sulfate (ZnSO4 .H2 O) recorded the highest N, K, S, Mn, Cu, and Fe concentrations, and their
uptake in grain and straw as well as total (grain + straw) of basmati rice compared to rest of the
SGM crops and Zn fertilization treatments. In regards to Zn concentration, foliar spray of 0.2%
(ZnSO4 .H2 O) recorded the highest values of Zn concentration in grain and straw viz. 24.1, 24.1
and 177.7, and 179.2 mg kg −1 DM during 2008 and 2009, respectively. Whereas, 2.0% ZEU
as ZnSO4 .H2 O recorded the highest total Zn uptake viz. 3081.6 and 3089.0 g ha −1 in 2008 and
2009, respectively. The estimated values viz. partial factor productivity (PFP) and crop recovery
efficiency (CRE) of applied N were the highest with Sesbania aculeata GM and 2.0% ZEU as
ZnSO4 .H2 O treatments. But, the highest physiological efficiency (PE) of applied N was obtained
after summer fallow and control (only N) viz. 25.7, 20.1 and 27.1, and 21.9 kg grain kg −1 of
N absorbed in 2008 and 2009. All the Zn-use indices were also influenced significantly due to
SGM crops and Zn fertilization treatments except ZnHI of basmati rice. Agronomic efficiency (AE)
of applied Zn to rice crop was significantly higher with mungbean (Vigna radiata) GM and ZnO
slurry Zn fertilization treatment, however, 0.2% foliar spray of ZnSO4 .H2 O recorded the highest
Zn crop recovery efficiency (Zn CRE) viz. 57.6 and 61.6%, respectively. Overall, application of Zn
Received 20 August 2010; accepted 3 January 2012.

Address correspondence to Yashbir Singh Shivay, Division of Agronomy, Indian Agricultural Re-
search Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India. E-mail: ysshivay@hotmail.com
91
92 V. Pooniya and Y. S. Shivay
fertilizer (ferti-fortification) to basmati rice through ZEU and foliar spray of 0.2% (ZnSO4 .H2 O)
increased Zn concentration in grain and straw, resulting in greater bio-availability of grain Zn.
Therefore, this would be a very important and useful strategy in solving the Zn deficiency related
problems in Indo-Gangetic plains of India.
Keywords: basmati rice, ferti-fortification, nutrient concentrations and uptake, N and

Zn use-indices, summer green manuring, Zn fertilization
INTRODUCTION
Zinc (Zn) deficiency is occurring in both crops and humans (White

and Zasoski, 1999). Zinc deficiency in soil reduces not only the grain yield
(McDonald et al., 2001), but also the nutritional quality of grain (Cakmak,
2008) and ultimately nutritional quality of human diet. Zn deficiency is
the most ubiquitous micronutrient deficiency problem in world crops.
Zn is essential for both plants and animals because it is a structural
constituent and regulatory co-factor in enzymes and proteins involved in
many biochemical pathways. Millions of hectares of cropland are affected by
Zn deficiency and approximately one third of the human population suffers
from an inadequate intake of Zn (Alloway, 2008). Zn plays a key role in
physical growth and development, the functioning of the immune system,
reproductive health, sensory function and neurobehavioral development in
humans (Hotz and Brown, 2004). In plants, enzymes either containing or
activated by Zn are involved in carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis,
maintenance of the integrity of cellular membrane, regulation of auxin
synthesis and pollen formation (Marschner, 1995). Zn is also required for
the regulation and maintenance of the gene expression required for the
tolerance of environmental stresses in plants, such as high light intensity
and high temperature (Cakmak, 2000).
The role of Zn in improving productivity of rice is as important as that of
major nutrients in present-day agriculture. Ferti-fortification offers a simple
and highly effective solution to Zn deficiency problems in crop plants and to
increasing the Zn concentrations of foods. Foliar application of Zn through
zinc sulfate (ZnSO4 .H2 O) and Zn-enriched urea (ZEU) as soil application
are the alternative strategies to fortify seed with Zn and also greatly reduce
necessary loss of food production and helps improve public health (Stein
et al., 2007). Foliar spray of Zn also increased Zn harvest index, Zn crop re-
covery efficiency (CRE) and at the same time raised grain Zn concentration.
This is an important from the viewpoint of human and animal nutrition and
health (White and Broadley, 2005; Prasad, 2009; Stein, 2010). Foliar appli-
cation of Zn has many advantages as compared to soil application, i.e., rates
applied are considerably lower than soil applications, uniform application is
possible, crop response to applied micronutrient is almost immediate so that
Zinc and Nitrogen Enrichment of Basmati Rice 93
deficiency can be corrected relatively rapidly (Mortvedt, 2000). Seed plus

foliar application of Zn in cereals is most appropriate for fortification of
seed and giving up to four-fold increases in grain Zn concentration. In addi-
tion to increased Zn concentration in grains, fertilizing with Zn also reduces
the phytate content of the seed and hence reduces the phytate:Zn ratio.
Thus, it not only increases the amount of Zn in the seed, but also makes it
more bio-available to the consumer (Cakmak, 2008). The fertilizer contain-
ing Zn (ZEU) is considered to be a good source for combined N and Zn
fertilizer application.
An attempt is therefore being made by the fertilizer industry in India to
produce ZEU, which would allow farmers to apply Zn to basmati rice along
with nitrogen (N). For coating urea, ZnSO4 .H2 O is generally used because it
contains 33% Zn and therefore lesser quantities are needed for coating. In
addition to ZnSO4 .H2 O, zinc oxide (ZnO), which contains 80% Zn, is also
being investigated for coating urea. In north India, farmers after harvesting
wheat in the month of April, generally grow short-duration summer green
manuring (SGM) crops to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil before
transplanting of basmati rice. Typically, a green manure crop is grown for a
specific period and then incorporated into the soil. Green manures (GMs)
usually perform multiple functions that include soil improvement and its
protection as well as enhance soil microbial biomass and enzymatic activity.
Regular incorporation of Sesbania GM over the years before transplanting of
rice helps in improving diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA)-extractable
micronutrient cations of the soil (Nayyar and Chhibba, 2000).
However, till date no scientific studies and their documentation have
been made in summer green manuring-basmati rice cropping sequence in
respect of micronutrient availability. It is expected that regular incorporation
of Sesbania aculeata, cowpea and mungbean GMs before transplanting of
basmati rice may improve availability of micronutrients to rice plant, i.e., Zn,
iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) in soil compared to summer
fallow.
MATERIALS AND METHODS

Description of Study Area
Field experiments were conducted during summer or rainy (Kharif ) sea-
sons of 2008 and 2009 at the research farm of Indian Agricultural Research
Institute, New Delhi, situated at a latitude of 28◦ 40 N and longitude of 77◦ 12
E, altitude of 228.6 meters above the mean sea level (Arabian sea). The mean
annual rainfall of Delhi 650 mm and more than 80% generally occurs during
the south-west monsoon season (July–September). The initial fertility status
of the experimental field was 225 kg ha−1 alkaline permanganate oxidizable
nitrogen (N) (Subbiah and Asija, 1956), 16.0 kg ha−1 available phosphorus
(P) (Olsen et al., 1954), 275 kg 1 N ammonium acetate exchangeable potas-

sium (K) (Hanway and Heidel, 1952) and 0.53% organic carbon (Walkley
and Black, 1934). The pH of soil was 7.5 (1:2.5 soil and water ratio) (Prasad
et al., 2006) and DTPA-extractable Zn (Lindsay and Norvell, 1978) in soil was
0.68 mg kg−1 of soil. The critical level of DTPA-extractable Zn for rice grown
in alluvial soils in rice-wheat belt in north India varies from 0.38- 0.90 mg
kg−1 (Takkar et al., 1997).
Experimental Treatments and Design

The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four treatments
comprising summer green manuring (SGM), i.e., cowpea (Vigna unguicu-

lata), mungbean (Phaseolus radiatus), Sesbania aculeata and summer fallow
were taken in main plots and eight treatments of Zn fertilization, i.e., abso-
lute control (no N and no Zn), control (only N), 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O,
2.0% ZEU as ZnO, 5 kg Zn ha−1 through ZnSO4 .H2 O as soil application,
5 kg Zn ha−1 through zinc oxide (ZnO) as soil application, ZnO slurry for
dipping rice seedling roots before transplanting of rice and 0.2% foliar spray
of ZnSO4 .H2 O at maximum tillering, pre-flowering and flowering stages, re-
spectively were allocated to sub-plots. All treatments were replicated three
times. Summer GMs crops were grown in first fortnight of May and incor-
porated into the field (after 55 days) before transplanting of basmati rice in
both the years of study.
Field Preparation and Fertilizer Application

Field was disk-ploughed and puddled with a heavy puddler in standing
water and leveled. Recommended dose of P and K (26.2 kg P ha−1 as single
super phosphate and 33 kg K ha−1 as muriate of potash) were broadcast at
final puddling. Nitrogen at 120 kg ha−1 as PU or ZEU was applied in all the
treatments except absolute control (no N and no Zn), into two equal splits;
half at the time of transplanting and remaining half at panicle initiation
stage. All Zn fertilization treatments either by ZEU (2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O
or ZnO) or direct soil application (as ZnSO4 .H2 O or ZnO) supplied 5.0 kg
Zn ha−1 and ZnO slurry and 0.2% foliar spray (ZnSO4 .H2 O) supplied 0.5
and 1.0 kg Zn ha−1, respectively.
Grain and Straw Yield of Basmati Rice

At the time of maturity the net plots (leaving two border rows on each side
and four hills from each side of the length) were harvested and sun-dried
for three days in the field and then the total biomass yield was recorded.
After threshing, cleaning and drying the grain yield was recorded at 14%
moisture. Straw yield was obtained by subtracting grain yield from the total
biomass yield.
Chemical Analysis
Plant samples were collected at 10 days before of harvesting and dried in
hot air oven at 60±2◦ C for 6 hours. The oven dried samples were sieved by
passing through 40 mesh sieve in a Macro-Wiley Mill. From each replication
0.5 g dry matter samples and grain and straw samples were taken for chemi-
cal analysis to determine the K, S, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe concentrations in SGM
crops and basmati rice grain and straw. N concentration in SGM crops and
basmati rice grain and straw samples were determined by modified Kjeldahl
method. Total potassium in SGM crops and basmati rice grain and straw were
estimated by flame photometry method on a tri-acid digest of plant material
(Prasad et al., 2006). The K concentrations in SGM and basmati rice straw
and grain were expressed in percentages. Total sulfur content was estimated
on di-acid digest of plant material by turbidimetric procedure (Prasad et al.,
2006). The Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe in dry matter of SGM crops and grain and
straw of basmati rice crop were determined by wet-digestion (di-acid diges-
tion) procedure on an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Prasad et al.,
2006). The uptake/accumulation of various major and micronutrients in
SGM crops and basmati rice grain and straw was calculated by multiplying
the dry matter yield with their respective concentrations.
Estimation of Efficiencies of Applied N/Zn

The estimated values of PFP, AE, CRE, PE and N/Zn HI of applied N/Zn
were computed using the following expressions as suggested by Fageria and
Baligar (2003) and Dobermann (2005):
PFP = Yt /Na or Zna

AE = (Yt − YAc )/Na or Zna
CRE = [(UN /Zn − UAc )/Na or Zna ] × 100
PE = (Yt − YAc )/(UN/Zn − UAc )
NHI/ZnHI = GUN/Zn /UN
wherein, Yt and UN/Zn refer to the grain yield (kg ha−1) and total N/Zn
uptake (kg ha−1), respectively, of basmati rice in N/Zn applied plots; YAC
and UAC refer to the grain yield (kg ha−1) and total N/Zn uptake (kg−1 ha),
respectively of basmati rice in absolute control (no N and no Zn) and control
(only N) applied plots; Na /Zna refers to the N/Zn applied (kg ha−1); GUN
refers to N/Zn uptake (kg ha−1) in grain.
Statistical Analysis
All the data obtained from various SGM and basmati rice for two consec-
utive years of study were statistically analysed using the F -test (Gomez and
Gomez, 1984). Least significance difference (LSD) values at P = 0.05 were
used for determine the significance of differences between means.
RESULTS
N, P, K and Micronutrients Accumulated in SGM Crops
Among the SGM, Sesbania aculeata accumulated highest N, P and K (kg
ha−1) and it remained on par with cowpea GM but significantly superior than
mungbean GM (Figure 1). In regards to micronutrients in SGM, Sesbania
aculeata GM accumulated higher Zn and Cu, but cowpea and mungbean
GMs accumulated higher Mn and Fe than Sesbania aculeata GM (Figure 2).
However, Fe accumulation in Sesbania aculeata GM was statistically on par
with mungbean GM.
N, K and S Concentrations in Basmati Rice

Data on N concentration in grain and straw of basmati rice are in Table 1.
SGM and Zn fertilization had a significant effect on N concentration of
basmati rice. The highest N concentration in basmati rice grain and straw
was recorded with Sesbania aculeata GM and application of 2.0% ZEU as
FIGURE 1 Macronutrients accumulated in SGM crops. The vertical bars represent LSD0.05 values (Color
figure available online).
TABLE 1 Effect of SGM and Zn fertilization on N concentration of Basmati rice grain, straw and their uptake
N concentration N concentration N uptake by grain N uptake by straw Total N uptake by

(%) in grain (%) in straw (kg ha−1) (kg ha−1) grain + straw (kg ha−1)
Treatment 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009
Summer green manuring

Cowpea 1.40 1.41 0.61 0.62 49.47 50.98 93.87 96.63 143.34 147.61
Mungbean 1.39 1.40 0.59 0.61 48.12 49.86 90.69 94.19 138.81 144.05
Sesbania aculeata 1.42 1.44 0.62 0.63 50.01 53.15 100.55 102.12 151.56 155.28
Summer fallow 1.29 1.28 0.55 0.53 42.47 41.78 84.51 81.83 126.98 123.62
SEm± 0.007 0.006 0.005 0.003 0.58 0.67 0.99 0.70 1.01 1.04
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.023 0.019 0.016 0.011 1.93 2.23 3.31 2.34 3.35 3.46
Zinc fertilization
Absolute control (no N and no Zn) 1.28 1.26 0.54 0.52 34.46 33.93 70.30 67.00 104.76 100.94
Control (only N) 1.34 1.35 0.56 0.57 44.80 45.82 85.18 87.46 129.98 133.28
2.0% ZEU∗ (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 1.41 1.43 0.62 0.63 52.97 55.00 104.42 107.06 157.39 162.05
2.0% ZEU (ZnO) 1.41 1.42 0.62 0.62 51.37 53.35 100.52 102.79 151.89 156.15
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 1.39 1.40 0.61 0.62 50.44 51.95 97.77 99.62 148.21 151.57
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnO) 1.40 1.40 0.60 0.60 49.58 50.83 94.39 94.52 143.97 145.35
ZnO slurry 1.39 1.39 0.59 0.59 48.95 49.42 90.68 92.29 139.63 141.71
0.2% foliar spray (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 1.40 1.41 0.61 0.62 49.57 51.24 96.00 98.81 145.57 150.05
SEm± 0.010 0.007 0.006 0.005 0.60 0.55 1.16 1.06 1.48 1.39
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.029 0.020 0.018 0.014 1.70 1.55 3.29 2.99 4.19 3.92
ZEU∗ , zinc-enriched urea.
97
FIGURE 2 Micronutrients accumulated in SGM crops. The vertical bars represent LSD0.05 values (Color
ZnSO4 .H2 O. Sesbania aculeata GM remained statistically on par with cowpea

GM but, significantly superior to mungbean GM and summer fallow during
both the years. Application of 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O remained on par
with 2.0% ZEU as ZnO, 5 kg Zn ha−1 through ZnSO4 .H2 O as soil application
and 0.2% foliar spray of ZnSO4 .H2 O with respect to N concentration in grain
and straw. The percentage increases in N concentration in grain with 2.0%
ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O was 10.2, 13.5 and 5.2, and 5.9% over absolute control,
control (only N) during 2008 and 2009.
With respect to K concentration in basmati rice grain and straw, various
summer GMs significantly influenced K concentration in grain and straw
of basmati rice (Table 2). Significantly higher K concentration in grains
was recorded when it was grown after Sesbania aculeata GM than after other
GMs. However, in case of straw, Sesbania aculeata GM remained statistically
on par with cowpea GM and significantly superior to mungbean GM and
summer fallow during both the years. Approximately 5 to 5.5 times higher K
concentration was observed in straw compared to grain. Application of 2.0%
ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O increased K concentration in rice grain significantly
over remaining Zn fertilization treatments except 5 kg Zn ha−1 through
ZnSO4 .H2 O as soil application. In case of basmati rice straw, 2.0% ZEU as
ZnSO4 .H2 O recorded highest K concentration viz. 1.66 and 1.67%, and it
remained on par with 2.0% ZEU as ZnO, 5 kg Zn ha−1 through ZnSO4 .H2 O
as soil application and 0.2% foliar spray of ZnSO4 .H2 O during both the
TABLE 2 Effect of SGM and Zn fertilization on K concentration of Basmati rice grain, straw and their uptake
K concentration K concentration K uptake by grain K uptake by straw Total K uptake by

Treatment 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

Cowpea 0.31 0.32 1.67 1.68 11.1 11.6 257.3 263.0 268.4 274.6
Mungbean 0.30 0.31 1.62 1.64 10.4 10.9 247.5 254.0 257.9 264.9
Summer fallow 0.27 0.26 1.47 1.46 8.9 8.7 226.7 225.3 235.6 234.1
SEm± 0.003 0.003 0.019 0.013 0.22 0.18 3.05 2.95 3.51 2.90
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.010 0.010 0.062 0.044 0.72 0.60 10.18 9.82 11.70 9.65
Zinc fertilization
Control (only N) 0.30 0.30 1.60 1.61 10.1 10.1 242.4 245.8 252.5 255.9
2.0% ZEU∗ (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 0.32 0.33 1.66 1.67 12.1 12.7 280.2 285.2 292.3 297.9
2.0% ZEU (ZnO) 0.31 0.32 1.65 1.66 11.3 12.0 268.1 273.5 279.4 285.5
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 0.32 0.33 1.65 1.67 11.5 12.1 264.3 269.4 275.7 281.5
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnO) 0.30 0.30 1.62 1.63 10.8 10.9 254.3 258.3 265.1 269.2
ZnO slurry 0.29 0.30 1.60 1.62 10.2 10.8 247.1 254.6 257.3 265.4
SEm± 0.002 0.008 0.009 0.018 0.28 0.28 4.98 3.30 5.92 3.43
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.007 0.022 0.025 0.051 0.80 0.79 14.06 9.32 16.72 9.68
99
years. An almost similar trend was also recorded with S concentration in

grain and straw of basmati rice (Table 3).
N, K, and S Uptake in Basmati Rice

Data pertaining to N uptake in grain, straw and as well as total (grain +
straw) by basmati rice are in Table 1. The residue incorporation of summer
GMs and application of Zn fertilizer (ferti-fortification) through various
sources significantly affected N uptake in grain, straw and total (grain +
straw) of basmati rice. The significantly higher N uptake in grain, straw
and total by basmati rice was obtained with Sesbania aculeata GM and 2.0%
ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O and these treatments remained superior to the rest of
summer GMs and Zn fertilization treatments in both the years of study. The
percentage increase in total N uptake (grain + straw) with Sesbania aculeata
GM was 5.7, 5.2 and 9.2, and 7.8 over cowpea and mungbean GMs in 2008
and 2009. In regards to Zn fertilization, the highest N uptake in grain, straw
and total (grain + straw) by basmati rice was recorded with 2.0% ZEU as
ZnSO4 .H2 O in both the years of study.
Interaction effect between SGM and Zn fertilization was significant with
respect to N uptake by rice straw during 2008 (Table 4). The highest N uptake
in rice straw was recorded with 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O when it was grown
after Sesbania aculeata GM and application of 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O). But,
Sesbania aculeata GM remained on par with 2.0% ZEU as ZnO and 5 kg Zn
through ZnSO4 .H2 O as soil application in all the summer green manured
plots as well as summer fallow plots.
Among the SGM and Zn fertilization treatment, Sesbania aculeata GM and
2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O recorded significantly higher K uptake in grain,
straw and total (grain + straw) of basmati rice (Table 2). The total K uptake
in basmati rice was almost 23–25 times higher than that in grain. A similar
trend was also recorded with respect to S uptake by basmati rice (Table 3).
K and Zn Uptake Ratio

Data pertaining to K and Zn uptake ratio in basmati rice grain and straw
are in Table 5. The significantly higher K and Zn uptake ratio in grain of
basmati rice was recorded with Sesbania aculeata GM over summer fallow
treatment. Sesbania aculeata GM remained statistically on par with cowpea
and mungbean GMs with respect to K and Zn uptake ratio in basmati rice
grain during both the years. The highest K and Zn uptake ratio viz. 4.18, 4.23,
2.90, and 2.91 in basmati rice grain was recorded with Sesbania aculeata GM.
Among the Zn fertilization treatments, soil application of 5 kg Zn ha−1
through ZnSO4 .H2 O and 0.2% foliar spray of ZnSO4 .H2 O recorded the
highest K and Zn uptake ratio in basmati rice grain during 2008 and 2009,
TABLE 3 Effect of SGM and Zn fertilization on S concentration of Basmati rice grain, straw and their uptake
S concentration S concentration S uptake by grain S uptake by straw Total S uptake by

Treatment 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

Cowpea 0.14 0.13 0.11 0.12 4.81 4.63 17.68 18.20 22.50 22.83
Mungbean 0.12 0.12 0.10 0.11 4.23 4.37 15.83 16.65 20.06 21.02
Summer fallow 0.12 0.11 0.08 0.08 3.84 3.71 12.76 14.02 16.60 17.73
SEm± 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.004 0.12 0.13 0.46 0.56 0.56 0.61
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.012 0.41 0.42 1.54 1.86 1.86 2.03
Zinc fertilization
Absolute control (no N) 0.11 0.11 0.09 0.09 3.09 2.88 11.50 11.97 14.59 14.84
Control (only N) 0.12 0.12 0.10 0.10 4.10 4.08 15.06 15.67 19.16 19.75
2.0% ZEU∗ (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 0.14 0.14 0.12 0.12 5.31 5.33 19.43 20.35 24.74 25.68
2.0% ZEU (ZnO) 0.14 0.13 0.11 0.12 5.10 5.05 18.49 19.27 23.59 24.31
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 0.14 0.13 0.11 0.11 5.23 5.01 17.83 18.10 23.06 23.11
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnO) 0.14 0.13 0.11 0.11 4.88 4.64 16.77 17.15 21.65 21.79
ZnO slurry 0.13 0.12 0.10 0.10 4.44 4.42 15.09 15.83 19.53 20.26
SEm± 0.003 0.003 0.002 0.003 0.12 0.12 0.31 0.42 0.38 0.44
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.009 0.008 0.005 0.008 0.35 0.33 0.92 1.20 1.08 1.24
101
TABLE 4 Interaction effect between SGM and Zn fertilization on N uptake (kg ha−1) in straw of
Basmati rice during 2008
Zinc fertilization Cowpea Mungbean Sesbania aculeata Summer fallow Mean
Absolute control 69.34 67.03 74.27 70.54 70.30

Control (only N) 83.36 80.59 94.82 81.96 85.18
2.0% ZEU∗ (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 107.35 104.10 112.25 93.98 104.42
2.0% ZEU (ZnO) 103.32 101.10 106.83 90.83 100.52
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 102.39 99.33 104.85 84.51 97.77
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnO) 95.88 91.85 102.94 86.90 94.39
ZnO slurry 92.13 87.13 100.91 82.53 90.68
0.2% foliar spray 97.20 94.41 107.56 84.83 96.00
Mean 93.87 90.69 100.55 84.51 92.41

SEm± 2.22
LSD (P = 0.05) 6.57
respectively. These treatments were close to rest of Zn fertilization treat-

ments, but significantly superior to absolute control and control (only N).
Zn fertilization treatments had non-significant effect on K and Zn uptake
ratio in the straw of basmati rice.
TABLE 5 Effect of SGM and Zn fertilization on K and Zn uptake ratio in grain and straw of Basmati rice
K uptake ratio K uptake ratio Zn uptake Zn uptake

in grain in straw ratio in grain ratio in straw
Treatment 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

Cowpea 4.14 4.22 95.86 95.78 2.89 2.89 97.11 97.11
Mungbean 4.04 4.12 95.96 95.88 2.82 2.84 97.18 97.16
Sesbania aculeata 4.18 4.23 95.82 95.77 2.90 2.91 97.10 97.09
Summer fallow 3.71 3.69 96.19 96.31 2.67 2.57 97.33 97.33
SEm± 0.127 0.089 1.34 1.39 0.057 0.082 1.39 1.41
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.423 0.298 NS NS 0.187 0.272 NS NS
Zinc fertilization
Absolute control (no N and no Zn) 3.79 3.64 96.21 96.36 2.60 2.63 97.40 97.37
Control (only N) 4.03 3.95 95.97 96.05 2.62 2.59 97.38 97.41
2.0% ZEU∗ (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 4.13 4.27 95.87 95.73 2.89 2.94 97.11 97.06
2.0% ZEU (ZnO) 4.06 4.23 95.94 95.77 2.75 2.77 97.25 97.23
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 4.17 4.31 95.83 95.69 2.91 2.91 97.09 97.09
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnO) 4.07 4.05 95.93 95.95 2.95 2.96 97.05 97.04
ZnO slurry 4.00 4.05 96.00 95.95 2.84 2.84 97.16 97.16
0.2% foliar spray (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 4.09 4.03 95.91 95.97 3.01 2.99 96.99 97.01
SEm± 0.055 0.102 1.03 0.92 0.048 0.047 0.75 0.75
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.156 0.288 NS NS 0.136 0.133 NS NS

Estimated Values of N
Data on PFP, AE (kg grain kg−1 of N applied), PE (kg grain kg−1 of
N uptake), CRE (%) and NHI (%) are in Table 6. Various SGM and Zn
fertilization treatments had a significant effect on all the use-efficiencies of
applied N to the basmati rice. The maximum PFP and CRE viz. 26.9, 27.8 kg
grain kg−1 N, 33.3, and 37.1%, respectively was obtained with Sesbania aculeata
GM and it remained on par with cowpea GM in 2008 and 2009. In regards to
PE of applied N, highest PE viz. 25.7 and 20.1 kg grain kg−1of N uptake was
recorded in 2008 and 2009, respectively with summer fallow treatment and it
was superior to that obtained after GMs. AE and NHI were not significantly
influenced by SGM crops. Application of 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O recorded
significantly higher PFP, AE and CRE of applied N in basmati rice over

remaining Zn fertilization treatments. With respect to PE and NHI, control
(only N) followed by ZnO slurry treatment was found best and recorded the
highest values during both the years.
Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe Concentrations in Basmati Rice

Different green manures and Zn fertilization treatments significantly
influenced the micronutrients concentrations in grain and straw of basmati
rice (Table 7). Significantly higher Zn concentration in grain and straw of
rice was recorded with Sesbania aculeata GM and application of 0.2% foliar
spray of ZnSO4 .H2 O. Sesbania aculeata, cowpea and mungbean GMs plots
remained on par to each other with respect to Zn concentration in grain
and straw. Foliar spray of 0.2% (ZnSO4 .H2 O) statistically on par to 2.0%
ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O with respect to Zn concentrations in grain and straw,
but significantly better than other Zn fertilization treatments in 2008 and
2009.
Interaction effect between green manures and Zn fertilization was found
significant with respect to Zn concentration in basmati rice grain in 2009
(Table 8). The highest Zn concentration in rice grain was recorded with 2.0%
ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O when it was grown after Sesbania aculeata or cowpea GMs,
while the highest Zn concentration in basmati rice grain was recorded with
0.2% foliar spray of ZnSO4 .H2 O grown after the mungbean GM and summer
fallow treatments. Application of 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O remained on par
with 0.2% foliar spray of ZnSO4 .H2 O in cowpea, mungbean and Sesbania
aculeata GM plots. Amongst the green manures, Sesbania aculeata recorded
higher Zn concentration in rice grain than cowpea and mungbean GMs in
all Zn fertilization treatments.
Data on Mn and Fe concentrations in grain and straw of basmati rice are
in Tables 9 and 10. The SGM had significant effect on Mn and Fe concen-
trations of basmati rice during 2008 and 2009. The significantly higher Mn
and Fe concentrations in grain and straw of rice was recorded with Sesbania
104
TABLE 6 Effect of SGM and Zn fertilization on N use-efficiency indices of Basmati rice
PFP (kg grain AE (kg grain increase PE (kg grain increase

kg−1 N) kg−1 N applied) CRE (%) kg−1 N uptake) NHI (%)
Treatment 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

Cowpea 26.4 27.2 6.6 7.5 32.4 37.4 18.5 17.6 34.5 34.5
Mungbean 25.9 26.8 6.6 7.6 31.9 38.4 18.8 17.6 34.7 34.6
Summer fallow 24.7 24.6 5.8 5.9 20.5 26.1 25.7 20.1 33.4 33.8
SEm± 0.26 0.20 0.28 0.56 0.77 1.32 0.37 0.47 0.45 0.36
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.86 0.67 NS NS 2.58 4.40 1.23 1.58 NS NS
Zinc fertilization
Absolute control (no N and no Zn) — — — — — — — — 32.9 33.6
Control (only N) 27.8 28.2 5.3 5.9 21.0 27.0 27.1 21.9 34.5 34.4
2.0% ZEU∗ (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 31.2 32.0 8.7 9.7 43.9 50.9 20.2 19.0 33.6 33.9
2.0% ZEU (ZnO) 30.4 31.3 7.9 8.9 39.3 46.0 20.8 19.5 33.8 34.1
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 30.1 31.0 7.6 8.6 36.2 42.2 22.5 21.0 34.1 34.3
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnO) 29.5 30.3 7.0 7.9 32.7 37.0 22.1 21.7 34.4 35.0
ZnO slurry 29.3 29.7 6.9 7.3 29.1 34.0 24.5 21.8 35.1 34.9
SEm± 0.37 0.30 0.13 0.26 0.73 1.16 0.41 0.31 0.34 0.28
LSD (P = 0.05) 1.05 0.86 0.38 0.73 2.06 3.26 1.16 0.88 0.96 0.79

TABLE 7 Effect of SGM and Zn fertilization on Zn concentration of Basmati rice grain, straw and their uptake
Zn concentration Zn concentration
(mg kg−1 DM) in (mg kg−1 DM) in Zn uptake by grain Zn uptake by straw Total Zn uptake by
grain straw (g ha−1) (g ha−1) grain + straw (g ha−1)
Treatment 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

Cowpea 21.0 21.2 162.3 163.3 76.5 77.2 2554.8 2571.7 2631.3 2648.9
Mungbean 20.4 20.7 161.0 162.0 73.0 74.1 2506.3 2521.3 2579.3 2595.4
Summer fallow 19.4 18.9 150.6 146.9 64.1 62.3 2325.1 2269.3 2389.2 2331.6
SEm± 0.21 0.31 1.08 1.14 1.31 1.78 27.50 30.09 27.66 29.88
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.69 1.04 3.60 3.81 4.37 5.93 91.68 100.32 92.21 99.64
Zinc fertilization
Control (only N) 18.2 17.9 149.8 148.8 61.6 60.6 2289.9 2275.9 2351.5 2336.4
2.0% ZEU∗ (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 23.2 23.6 175.6 175.8 89.1 91.0 2992.5 2998.0 3081.6 3089.0
2.0% ZEU (ZnO) 21.3 21.5 171.3 171.4 80.1 80.8 2827.5 2829.9 2907.6 2910.7
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 22.1 22.2 168.9 169.7 82.2 82.7 2735.1 2748.3 2817.3 2831.0
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnO) 20.5 20.6 154.9 155.1 74.5 75.0 2450.1 2453.5 2524.6 2528.4
ZnO slurry 19.3 19.2 150.0 149.8 68.7 68.6 2352.6 2350.4 2421.2 2419.0
SEm± 0.25 0.28 1.46 0.88 1.29 1.43 32.34 25.42 3275 25.99
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.71 0.78 4.13 2.48 3.65 4.04 91.34 71.80 92.50 73.42
105
TABLE 8 Interaction effect between SGM and Zn fertilization on zinc concentration (mg kg−1 DM) in
grain of Basmati rice during 2009
Zinc fertilization Cowpea Mungbean Sesbania aculeata Summer fallow Mean
Absolute control 17.1 16.2 17.3 13.6 16.0

Control (only N) 17.9 17.7 18.7 17.2 17.9
2.0% ZEU∗ (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 25.1 22.9 25.6 20.7 23.6
2.0% ZEU (ZnO) 22.3 21.6 22.9 19.1 21.5
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 23.0 22.6 23.3 19.8 22.2
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnO) 20.9 21.2 21.8 18.5 20.6
ZnO slurry 18.7 20.0 19.7 18.6 19.2
0.2% foliar spray 24.8 23.2 25.3 23.3 24.1
Mean 21.2 20.7 21.8 18.9 20.6

SEm± 0.55
LSD (P = 0.05) 1.56
aculeata GM and it remained statistically on par with cowpea GM treatment

during both the years. The percentage increase in Fe concentration in grain
of basmati rice with Sesbania aculeata GM was 0.7, 0.1 and 3.9, 3.0, and 6.4
and 7.2 over cowpea and mungbean GMs and summer fallow treatments
during 2008 and 2009.
Among the Zn fertilization treatments, application of 2.0% ZEU as
ZnSO4 .H2 O recorded significantly higher Mn and Fe concentrations in rice
grain as well as straw and it remained very close to 2.0% ZEU as ZnO and soil
application of 5 kg Zn ha−1 as ZnSO4 .H2 O during both the years. The per-
centage increases in Fe concentration in grain of basmati rice with 2.0% ZEU
as ZnSO4 .H2 O were 14.5, 14.3, and 10.0 and 9.3 over absolute control, and
control (only N). A similar trend was recorded in Mn and Fe concentrations
in straw of basmati rice in both the years.
In regards to Cu concentration in grain of basmati rice, significantly
higher Cu concentration in grain of basmati rice was recorded when it
was grown after Sesbania aculeata GM and it was significantly superior to
that after mungbean GM and summer fallow (Table 11). The percentage
increase in Cu concentration in grain of basmati rice with Sesbania aculeata
GM was 23.3 and 28.7 over summer fallow treatments during 2008 and
2009. Application of 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O recorded the highest Cu
concentration in basmati rice grain and straw over rest of the Zn fertilization
treatments. Application of 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O remained on par with
2.0% ZEU (as ZnO) and 5 kg Zn ha−1 through ZnSO4 .H2 O as soil application
during both the years.
TABLE 9 Effect of SGM and Zn fertilization on Mn concentration of Basmati rice grain, straw and their uptake
Mn concentration Mn concentration
(mg kg−1 DM) in (mg kg−1 DM) in Mn uptake by grain Mn uptake by straw Total Mn uptake by
Treatment 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

Cowpea 21.2 22.1 61.0 61.7 75.2 80.3 943.1 966.0 1018.2 1046.3
Mungbean 20.4 19.6 59.9 60.9 71.3 70.6 912.4 943.1 983.7 1013.6
Summer fallow 18.9 18.9 58.6 58.0 63.1 62.6 903.2 891.8 966.3 954.4
SEm± 0.47 0.61 0.64 0.67 1.81 2.17 15.03 12.35 13.86 11.04
LSD (P = 0.05) 1.56 2.04 2.12 2.22 6.02 7.22 50.11 41.16 46.23 36.80
Zinc fertilization
Control (only N) 18.0 18.2 58.7 58.9 60.4 62.1 891.7 900.2 952.1 962.4
2.0% ZEU∗ (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 24.1 24.3 63.5 63.7 90.2 93.7 1071.8 1086.2 1162.0 1179.9
2.0% ZEU (ZnO) 23.0 23.2 63.2 63.5 84.2 87.3 1030.8 1048.3 1114.9 1135.7
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 23.1 23.3 63.2 63.5 83.7 86.9 1013.2 1027.3 1097.0 1114.3
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnO) 22.4 22.8 61.6 61.8 79.6 82.7 967.8 978.1 1047.4 1060.8
ZnO slurry 22.3 22.4 60.3 60.5 78.6 79.9 931.3 949.3 1009.9 1029.1
SEm± 0.72 0.74 0.85 0.87 2.53 2.64 14.08 14.64 14.36 14.93
LSD (P = 0.05) 2.02 2.10 2.42 2.46 7.14 7.45 39.77 41.34 40.57 42.16
107
108
TABLE 10 Effect of SGM and Zn fertilization on Fe concentration of Basmati rice grain, straw and their uptake
Fe concentration Fe concentration
(mg kg−1 DM) in (mg kg−1 DM) in Fe uptake by grain Fe uptake by straw Total Fe uptake by
Treatment 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

Cowpea 82.8 83.8 430.0 431.0 292.1 302.8 6685.2 6782.8 6977.3 7085.6
Mungbean 80.3 81.3 409.7 414.9 277.5 289.8 6281.3 6460.0 6558.9 6749.8
Summer fallow 78.4 78.1 388.9 387.7 258.9 256.3 6021.5 5990.9 6280.4 6247.2
SEm± 0.72 0.68 10.39 10.39 4.11 4.76 163.49 143.32 162.25 143.16
LSD (P = 0.05) 2.39 2.26 34.63 34.65 13.72 15.86 545.09 477.85 540.96 477.32
Zinc fertilization
Control (only N) 77.7 78.3 365.2 367.2 259.7 265.4 5549.4 5619.5 5809.1 5884.9
2.0% ZEU∗ (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 85.5 85.6 477.6 479.8 320.1 329.5 8052.4 8174.8 8372.4 8504.4
2.0% ZEU (ZnO) 84.9 85.2 464.6 466.5 310.1 320.3 7572.4 7702.1 7882.5 8022.3
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 84.2 84.5 461.6 463.3 304.7 314.4 7414.4 7499.8 7719.1 7814.2
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnO) 83.6 84.1 419.9 420.8 296.1 305.9 6594.7 6652.5 6890.8 6958.4
ZnO slurry 81.9 82.2 377.8 380.0 288.7 293.2 5834.1 5963.1 6122.8 6256.3
SEm± 0.80 0.80 11.10 10.27 4.55 3.90 170.29 158.70 170.98 158.73
LSD (P = 0.05) 2.25 2.26 31.34 29.02 12.85 11.01 480.98 448.26 482.94 448.33

TABLE 11 Effect of SGM and zinc fertilization on Cu concentration of Basmati rice grain, straw and their uptake
Cu concentration Cu concentration
(mg kg−1 DM) in (mg kg−1 DM) in Cu uptake by grain Cu uptake by straw Total Cu uptake by
Treatment 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

Cowpea 11.6 11.9 37.8 38.5 41.0 43.2 583.4 602.9 624.3 646.2
Mungbean 11.4 11.5 37.4 37.7 39.5 41.4 570.0 584.4 609.5 625.8
Summer fallow 10.3 10.1 36.3 36.0 34.2 33.4 560.4 552.9 594.5 586.3
SEm± 0.46 0.40 0.62 0.83 1.31 1.63 8.53 15.15 7.77 15.35
LSD (P = 0.05) 1.54 1.33 NS NS 4.35 5.42 28.45 50.50 25.90 51.19
Zinc fertilization
Control (only N) 9.9 9.9 36.7 36.9 33.2 33.9 557.7 564.8 590.9 598.6
2.0% ZEU∗ (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 13.6 13.9 39.1 39.7 51.0 53.6 659.8 676.9 710.8 730.5
2.0% ZEU (ZnO) 13.0 13.1 38.8 39.1 47.3 49.4 632.0 645.9 679.3 695.3
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 13.0 13.2 39.0 39.4 47.3 49.2 625.4 637.6 672.8 686.8
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnO) 11.8 11.9 37.6 37.8 41.8 43.4 590.6 598.5 632.5 641.9
ZnO slurry 11.3 11.6 37.5 37.8 39.9 41.4 579.6 592.5 619.5 633.8
SEm± 0.35 0.31 0.64 0.90 1.25 1.30 10.95 14.10 11.29 14.08
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.98 0.89 1.81 2.53 3.54 3.66 30.94 39.82 31.88 39.78
109
Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe Uptake in Basmati Rice

Data on Zn and Mn uptake in grain, straw and total (grain + straw)
by basmati rice are in Tables 7 and 9. The SGM had a significant effect
on Zn and Mn uptake in grain, straw and total by basmati rice. Significantly
higher Zn and Mn uptake in grain, straw and total (grain + straw) by basmati
rice was recorded with Sesbania aculeata GM and it was significantly superior
to mungbean GM and summer fallow treatments. However, Zn uptake by
basmati rice grain after Sesbania aculeata GM remained statistically on par
with cowpea GM during both the years. The percentage increases in total
Zn uptake (grain + straw) by basmati rice with Sesbania aculeata GM was 6.8
and 6.9, 15.3, and 19.0 over mungbean GM and summer fallow treatments
during 2008 and 2009. A similar trend was also observed with regard to Mn
uptake in grain of basmati rice.
The Zn and Mn uptake in basmati rice grain, straw as well as total in-
creased significantly with 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O compared to rest of
the Zn fertilization treatments. Application of 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O re-
mained statistically on par with 0.2% foliar spray of ZnSO4 .H2 O with respect
to Zn uptake in rice grain during both the years. However, with regard to
Mn uptake in basmati rice grain, 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O remained on
par with 2.0% ZEU as ZnO and soil application of 5 kg Zn ha−1 through
ZnSO4 .H2 O in 2008 and 2009.
Summer GMs and Zn fertilization treatments significantly influenced
the Cu uptake in grain, straw and total of basmati rice during both the years
(Table 11). The highest Cu uptake in grain, straw and total of basmati rice
was recorded with Sesbania aculeata GM plot and 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O Zn
fertilization treatment in both the years. Sesbania aculeata GM was statistically
on par with cowpea GM incorporation during the second year and 2.0%
ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O remained on par with 2.0% ZEU as ZnO with respect
to Cu uptake in straw and total (grain + straw) during the second year. In
general, the Cu uptake in grain and straw was slightly lower in the first year
compared to the second year. The percentage increases in total Cu uptake
(grain + straw) of basmati rice with 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O were 48.5, 54.8
and 20.3, and 22.0 over absolute control and control (only N) in 2008 and
2009. The Cu uptake in basmati rice straw was approximately 12 to 18 times
higher than that in grain. An almost similar trend were also recorded with
respect to Fe uptake in basmati rice grain, straw as well as total (grain +
straw) as in case of Cu (Table 10).
Zn Use-Efficiencies
The SGM and various Zn fertilization treatments had significant effect
on PFP, AE, Zn CRE and PE of basmati rice (Table 12). The highest PFP of
Zn was obtained with ZnO slurry treatment, but the non-significant variation
TABLE 12 Effect of SGM and Zn fertilization on PFP, AE, CRE, PE and Zn HI of applied Zn in Basmati rice
PFP (kg grain AE (kg grain increase PE (kg grain

kg−1 Zn) kg−1 Zn applied) Zn CRE (%) kg−1 Zn uptake) Zn HI (%)
Treatment 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

Cowpea 1727 1784 101.5 117.6 14.4 15.0 11112 11970 2.9 2.9
Mungbean 1705 1748 108.7 130.3 16.8 18.2 11340 12024 2.9 2.9
Sesbania aculeata 1691 1745 98.3 114.7 13.2 13.4 11638 12236 2.8 2.9
Summer fallow 1642 1618 96.5 95.5 10.5 12.3 12778 13008 2.7 2.6
SEm± 57.31 62.13 3.03 3.33 0.50 0.46 345.14 368.56 0.089 0.084
LSD (P = 0.05) NS NS 10.11 11.09 1.67 1.54 1150.75 1228.84 NS NS
Zinc fertilization
Absolute control (no N and no Zn) — — — — — — — — 2.6 2.6
Control (only N) — — — — — — — — 2.6 2.6
2.0% ZEU∗ (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 748 768 80.0 92.0 14.6 15.1 14545 15132 2.9 2.9
2.0% ZEU (ZnO) 730 750 62.0 74.0 11.1 11.4 16757 18317 2.8 2.8
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 724 744 56.0 68.0 9.3 9.8 13592 15385 2.9 2.9
5 kg Zn ha−1 (ZnO) 708 726 40.0 50.0 3.4 3.8 15504 17361 3.0 3.0
ZnO slurry 7040 7120 360.0 360.0 13.9 16.5 25352 22500 2.8 2.8
0.2% foliar spray (ZnSO4 .H2 O) 3586 3686 212.1 272.1 57.6 61.6 7985 9783 3.0 3.0
SEm± 73.29 80.42 4.02 4.67 0.58 0.62 349.81 360.42 0.071 0.069
LSD (P = 0.05) 207.03 227.14 11.37 13.18 1.64 1.74 988.05 1018.03 0.202 0.194
111
was observed among SGM crops. With respect to AE and ZnCRE, mungbean
GM recorded the highest values. Mungbean GM remained on par to cowpea
and Sesbania aculeata GMs with respect to AE of applied Zn in the first year
of experimentation. Among the Zn fertilization treatments, ZnO slurry and
0.2% foliar spray of ZnSO4 .H2 O recorded the highest AE and ZnCRE. The
highest PE was recorded with summer fallow and ZnO slurry treatment. Zn
fertilization treatments influenced significantly ZnHI and the highest was
recorded with foliar spray 0.2% (ZnSO4 .H2 O) and 5 kg Zn ha−1 through
ZnO in both the years of study.
Grain and Straw Yield of Basmati Rice

In general, grain and straw yields of basmati rice increased significantly

with Sesbania aculeata GM over the rest of the SGM and summer fallow
treatments. It remained on par with cowpea GM with respect to grain yield
of basmati rice (Figures 3 and 4). Among the Zn fertilization treatments,
2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O recorded the highest yields over remaining Zn
fertilization treatments during both the years. In regards to grain yield,
2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O remained on par with 2.0% ZEU as ZnO and soil
application of 5 kg Zn ha−1 through ZnSO4 .H2 O. The lowest values of grain
and straw yields were recorded with absolute control followed by control
(only N). The percent increases in grain yield with 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O
over absolute control and control (only N) was 38.5, 43.3 and 11.9, and
13.6% in 2008 and 2009, respectively. A similar trend was also recorded with
respect to straw yield. The increase in grain and straw yields due to SGM
FIGURE 3 Effect of SGM on yields of Basmati rice. The vertical bars represent LSD0.05 values (Color
FIGURE 4 Effect of Zn fertilization on yields of Basmati rice. The vertical bars represent LSD0.05 values
(Color figure available online).
and Zn fertilization can be explained on the basis of yield attributes, namely

effective tillers, panicle length and panicle weight of basmati rice.
DISCUSSION
In regards to concentrations of various major and micronutrients, the
highest values of N, K and S concentration in basmati rice grain and straw
was recorded after Sesbania aculeata GM and with the application of 2.0%
ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O. With respect to N concentration in basmati rice grain
and straw, values of N concentration in basmati rice grain varied from 1.28
to 1.44% and the highest with Sesbania aculeata GM. The increased biomass
accumulation of Sesbania aculeata GM may be due to its fast and determinate
growth habit, add huge amount of organic matter and N in soil. Continuous
green manuring over the years increased OC content of soil and this may be
responsible for higher nutrient availability (Swarup, 1987; Chatterjee et al.,
1979; Cassman et al., 1996; Nayyar and Chhibba, 2000; Mandal et al., 2003;
Dwivedi et al., 2005). Moreover, these crops also added higher organic matter
into the soil and organic matter is considered reservoir of nutrients in soil.
Application of 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O recorded highest N concentration
in grain and straw of basmati rice. This might be due to an increase in the
N availability through synchronized released from the ZEU which increased
the N concentration proportionately in grain and straw and finally led to
higher N uptake with highest level of N (Mhaskar and Thorat, 2005; Oo
et al., 2007; Shivay et al., 2008b). Soil application of Zn is also reported

to increase concentration of N (Khan et al., 2003) and S concentration in
basmati rice grain due to Sesbania aculeata green manuring could be due to
uptake of these nutrients by it and the releasing these to succeeding rice. K
concentration in basmati rice grain also increased with increasing levels of
N, and was influenced favorably by sources of N or modified urea materials
(Duhan et al., 2001; Shivay et al., 2001). Application of 2.0% ZEU either
through ZnSO4 .H2 O or ZnO significantly increased K and S concentration
in basmati rice grain.
Among the Zn fertilization treatments, 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O
recorded significantly higher N, K and S uptake in grain, straw as well as
total (grain + straw) of basmati rice over remaining treatments. This was
due to increased concentrations of the nutrients in rice grain and straw and
also the increased yield of rice grain and straw. It is evident from the above
results that N interacted positively with Zn and hence improved the N up-
take in basmati rice. Synergistic effect of Zn and N are mainly attributed to
increased availability of Zn in soil due to acid forming effect of N (Prasad,
2005).
PFP of applied N in basmati rice was varied from 24.6 to 32.0 kg grain
kg−1 of N; AE values for N were about 5.3–9.7 kg grain increased kg−1 of
applied N and these values are close to the values reported by Prasad et al.
(2000) and Shivay et al. (2010). PE of N in basmati rice was ranged of
16.5–27.9 kg grain kg−1 of N uptake; on other hand, CRE of N was varied
from 20.5–50.9% in 2008 and 2009. These findings are close to the results
reported by Prasad (2005) and Ladha et al. (2005). The main cause of low
N use-efficiencies and CRE of N are N losses mechanisms viz. ammonia-
volatilization, denitrification, leaching in submerged soil and runoff losses
(Prasad and Power, 1995; Prasad et al., 1998; Prasad, 2005). The low AE of
applied N in green manuring plots was due to N contributed by summer
green manuring crops (Singh et al., 2004). The positive effect of applied Zn
on grain yield caused an increase in AE of applied N.
Various SGM had significant effect on Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu concentrations
in grain and straw and their uptake of basmati rice. Green manures signif-
icantly increased micronutrients concentration and their uptake in plants
also reported by Chahal et al. (1999). Foliar application of Zn was quite
effective in rice because of the Zn was directly absorbed by rice plant leaves
and finally accumulated into grain (Slaton et al., 2005). Zn concentration
was the highest with higher level of Zn-enrichment (Shivay et al., 2008a).
Application of Zn through 0.2% foliar spray of Zn sulfate was as good as soil
applied Zn sulfate and 2.0% ZEU as ZnO with respect to Zn concentration
in grain and straw, respectively (Mortvedt, 2000).
All the indices used for measuring Zn use-efficiencies in basmati rice viz.
PFP, AE and ZnCRE declined as the Zn application rate was increased from
0.5 to 5.0 kg Zn ha−1. Similar results were reported by Prasad et al. (2000).
Use-efficiencies of applied Zn are high at lower application rates because

its rapid adsorption over soil organic matter and clay minerals (Hazra and
Mandal, 1995) and subsequent slow desorption (Mandal et al., 2000). As
compared to N, these high values of PFP, AE and ZnHI were due to very small
amount of Zn needed for rice growth and grain production as compared
to N (Cassman et al., 1998; Prasad et al., 2000; Shivay et al., 2010). Among
the different SGM, the highest yields of basmati rice (grain + straw) was
recorded with Sesbania aculeata GM and 2.0% ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O among
various Zn fertilization treatments tried in this experiment. The higher dry
matter (7.41 t ha−1) and N (180.5 kg ha−1) accumulated through Sesbania
aculeata GM led to increased grain and straw yield during both the years of
study. The similar findings also reported by Porpavai (2009). In regards to

Zn, a number of researchers have been reported that yield of rice increased
due to application of Zn fertilization either through ZEU as ZnSO4 .H2 O or
ZEU as ZnO.
CONCLUSIONS
Our two years of field study clearly demonstrated multiple benefits of
combined use of summer green manures and Zn fertilization irrespective of
sources and methods of Zn application in basmati rice for Zn, N, K and S
enrichment of grains. Among the SGM, Sesbania aculeata GM was the best
while among the Zn fertilization treatments, 0.2% foliar spray of ZnSO4 .H2 O
recorded the highest Zn concentration in grain and straw of basmati rice.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The senior author gratefully acknowledges the assistance received in the
form of Senior Research Fellowship from the Director, Indian Agricultural
Research Institute, New Delhi, during his Doctor of Philosophy degree pro-
gram. Thanks are also due to the Head of Division of Agronomy for providing
the necessary field and laboratory facilities during the course of the investi-
gation. The authors are grateful to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, ex-ICAR National
Professor and INSA Honorary Scientist, for his constructive criticism and
help in the preparation of the manuscript.
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Journal of Plant Nutrition

ENRICHMENT OF BASMATI RICE GRAIN

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ISSN: 0190-4167 print / 1532-4087 online

ENRICHMENT OF BASMATI RICE GRAIN AND STRAW WITH ZINC

Vijay Pooniya and Yashbir Singh Shivay

Received 20 August 2010; accepted 3 January 2012.

Keywords: basmati rice, ferti-fortification, nutrient concentrations and uptake, N and

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is occurring in both crops and humans (White

deficiency can be corrected relatively rapidly (Mortvedt, 2000). Seed plus

MATERIALS AND METHODS

(P) (Olsen et al., 1954), 275 kg 1 N ammonium acetate exchangeable potas-

Experimental Treatments and Design

comprising summer green manuring (SGM), i.e., cowpea (Vigna unguicu-

Field Preparation and Fertilizer Application

Grain and Straw Yield of Basmati Rice

Estimation of Efficiencies of Applied N/Zn

PFP = Yt /Na or Zna

N, K and S Concentrations in Basmati Rice

N concentration N concentration N uptake by grain N uptake by straw Total N uptake by

Summer green manuring

ZEU∗ , zinc-enriched urea.

ZnSO4 .H2 O. Sesbania aculeata GM remained statistically on par with cowpea

K concentration K concentration K uptake by grain K uptake by straw Total K uptake by

Summer green manuring

ZEU∗ , zinc-enriched urea.

years. An almost similar trend was also recorded with S concentration in

N, K, and S Uptake in Basmati Rice

K and Zn Uptake Ratio

S concentration S concentration S uptake by grain S uptake by straw Total S uptake by

Summer green manuring

ZEU∗ , zinc-enriched urea.

Summer green manuring

Zinc fertilization Cowpea Mungbean Sesbania aculeata Summer fallow Mean

Absolute control 69.34 67.03 74.27 70.54 70.30

Mean 93.87 90.69 100.55 84.51 92.41

ZEU∗ , zinc-enriched urea.

respectively. These treatments were close to rest of Zn fertilization treat-

K uptake ratio K uptake ratio Zn uptake Zn uptake

Treatment 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009

Summer green manuring

ZEU∗ , zinc-enriched urea.

significantly higher PFP, AE and CRE of applied N in basmati rice over

Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe Concentrations in Basmati Rice

PFP (kg grain AE (kg grain increase PE (kg grain increase

Summer green manuring

ZEU∗ , zinc-enriched urea.

Summer green manuring

ZEU∗ , zinc-enriched urea.

Summer green manuring

Zinc fertilization Cowpea Mungbean Sesbania aculeata Summer fallow Mean

Absolute control 17.1 16.2 17.3 13.6 16.0

Mean 21.2 20.7 21.8 18.9 20.6

ZEU∗ , zinc-enriched urea.

aculeata GM and it remained statistically on par with cowpea GM treatment

Summer green manuring

ZEU∗ , zinc-enriched urea.

Summer green manuring

ZEU∗ , zinc-enriched urea.