Response of Rice Genotypes (Oryza sativa L.) to Leaf Colour Chart Based Nitrogen Management Under Temperate Environment

Field experiment was conducted during Kharif seasons of 2012 and 2013 to study the response of rice genotypes (Oryza sativa L.) to real time nitrogen management guided by leaf colour chart (LCC). The pooled data showed that var. Shalimar Rice-2 recorded significantly higher value of yield attributes and grain yield (7.32 Mg ha-1) as compared to var. Jhelum (6.58 Mg ha-1). Agronomic efficiency and apparent N recovery was significantly higher in SR-2 compared to Jhelum. LCC ≤5 @ 30 kg N ha-1 (150 kg N ha-1 applied in 5 splits) recorded significantly higher grain yields (8.15 Mg ha-1) but remained at par with 120 kg N ha-1 applied in 6 splits through LCC ≤5 @ 20 kg N ha-1 (7.88 Mg ha-1), as compared to recommended dose of 120 kg N (7.15 Mg ha-1).  Nitrogen use efficiency and quality parameters (protein and amylose content) were significantly higher with LCC-based N management than the recommended N management.