Response of Hybrid Rice to Various Transplanting Dates and Nitrogen Application Rates

Transplanting dates and nitrogen application rates are important factors that can affect rice growth, yield and yield-contributing attributes. A field trial on four transplanting dates (20 June, 30 June, 10 July and 20 July) and five nitrogen application rates (100 kg ha(-1), 135 kg ha(-1), 170 kg ha(-1) and 205 kg ha(-1)) was planned to assess the relative effects of transplanting dates and various nitrogen rates on the performance of hybrid rice 'Almas'. Growth parameters such as leaf area index (LAI), leaf area duration (LAD) and crop growth rate (CGR) were significantly affected by both factors under study. Yield and almost all yield-contributing attributes were significantly influenced by various transplanting dates and nitrogen levels. Plant height, tillering ability, kernels per panicle, 1000-kernel weight, grain yield, straw yield and biological yield were considerably affected by various transplanting dates and nitrogen application rates. The highest grain yield (10.09 t ha(-1)) was obtained with 205 kg ha(-1) nitrogen application. Greater than 10 t ha(-1) paddy yield can be attained by optimum transplanting date along with better management of nitrogenous fertilizer.