Effect of Rice (ORYZA SATIVA L.) Cultivar Mixture on Paddy Yield and Yield Components under Different Nitrogen Levels

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study, was to quantify the changes in yield and yield components of rice as a result of combined effect of rice mixture and nitrogen fertilizer. A field experiment was conducted in 2011 at the research farm of Rice research Institute of Iran, Deputy of Mazandaran, Amol, Iran. The experimental plots were arranged in a split plot in a randomized complete block design which replicated three times. The four cultivar combinations including pure stand of Tarom Mahali (Tm), 75% Tarom Mahali+25% Tarom Hashemi (Th), 50%Tarom Mahalli+50% Tarom Hashemi and 25% Tarom Mahali+75% Tarom Hashemi) and nitrogen fertilizers (30, 45 and 60 kg N ha-1) were assigned to the main-plots and sub-plots, respectively. Results indicated that there were significant cultivar combination and nitrogen main effects on rice paddy yield and yield parameters. the maximum paddy yield, filled grain per panicle and grain number per panicle were obtained when 60 kg N ha-1 applied followed by 45 and 30 kg N ha-1. Rice paddy yields varied from 295.95 (25% Tm+75% Th) to 373.17 kg m-2 (75% Tm +25% Th). In conclusion, based on these results it can be concluded that two rice cultivar mixtures can be an efficient method for the paddy yield advantages.

Grain weight, Intercropping, Paddy yield, Rice