Naphthalene Acetic Acid and Irrigation Regimes Influence Paddy Yield and its Economics under Arid Conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The study aimed to highlight the impact of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and irrigation regimes on the productivity of coarse rice under agro-ecological conditions of Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. The experiment was comprised of two factors with four levels (0, 60, 90, 120 mL ha-1) of NAA and irrigation at the depths (60, 75, 90 and 105 cm) of soil profile. The data was interpreted to observe the plant height (cm), productive tillers (m-2), sterility percentage (%), biological yield (t ha-1), and grain yield (t ha-1) of coarse rice. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) was also calculated. The results indicated that the application of NAA was found very effective in improving paddy yield and hence resulted in better BCR value. The maximum paddy yield was attained under the application of NAA 90 mL ha-1 as PGR (NAA) at 75 cm irrigation depth. The experimental data confirm that the application of NAA at the rate of 90 mL ha-1 with irrigation upto depth of 75 cm increases grain yield in rice and ensures better economic returns, thus inclusion of 90 mL ha-1 as PGR (NAA) at 75 cm irrigation depth under arid conditions assist in boosting paddy yield.

Keywords

• agronomic efficiency
• soil moisture
• growth regulator
• benefit-cost ratio
• Oryza sativa