Enhancing Rice Yield and Profitability through Soil Test-based Fertilization and Micronutrient Foliar Sprays

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Bhadradri Kothagudem conducted Front Line Demonstrations (FLD) on soil test-based fertilizer application, including foliar spraying of need-based nutrient solution (ZnSO4, Formula-4) during the Rabi seasons of 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21 within its operational area. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a technological package combining soil test-based fertilizer recommendations and micronutrient foliar sprays. These demonstrations compared the effectiveness of recommended dose fertilizers application (N, P2O5, K2O) and soil test based fertilizer recommendation. Yield improvement of 6.6 % observed in soil test based fertilizer application plot compared to normal recommended dose of fertilizer application plot, Which resulted in that the soil test based fertilizer recommendation plots had higher cost-benefit ratios (B: C Ratio) of 2.57:1, 2.32 :1 and 2.35 :1 compared to the B: C ratios of 2.01 :1, 1.89:1 and 1.92:1 in normal farmers practice plots during the corresponding years.