Evaluation of nutrient management and method of planting on crop productivity of aerobic rice and estimating the water saving in aerobic using FAO-CROPWAT model

Rice is one of the most important cereal crops and is a prime target for water conservation because it is the most widely grown crop under flood irrigation. Rapidly depleting water resources threaten the sustainability of the irrigated rice production, the livelihood of rice producers and consumers, and ultimately the food security. By considering this, a field experiment was conducted with aerobic rice by evaluating different methods of planting and nutrient management practices. Treatment details are as follows: (A) method of planting, such as transplanted and direct line sowing, and (B) different nutrient management regimes (viz., T1–125% application of inorganic fertilizers; T2–100% application of inorganic fertilizers; and T3–100% application of organic manures). Results showed that, among the methods of planting, direct line sowing performed better in terms of plant growth and yield parameters. With respect to nutrient management, 125% of recommended dose of inorganic N fertilizers produced a higher yield compared to other treatments, and the difference was statistically significant. Organic manure applied as a treatment produced the lowest crop growth parameters and yield. Furthermore, water requirements for aerobic and anaerobic rice were compared using FAO-CROPWAT, and results revealed a 36.4% water saving.