Effect of Nano Calcite Foliar Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa)

Purpose: Around the world nano calcite (NC) is used as an environmental friendly foliar fertilizer to enhance yield of many crops. In Sri Lankan context this fertilizer has not yet been tested for crops. Therefore, this study examined the effect of foliar application of NC on yield, yield components, seed quality and insect resistivity of rice and the interaction effect of NC foliar fertilizer with different rates of soil added fertilizer.

Research Method: Field experiments were conducted in 2015/2016 Maha and 2016 Yala seasons at the Regional Rice Research Institute, Ambalanthota, Sri Lanka. The rice variety used for the study was At 362. Four levels of nano calcite (0, 50, 100 and 150ppm) with 3 levels of soil added fertilizers (recommended fertilizer mixture, 25% over and above the recommendation) were tested. Data was collected at 30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting and at the harvesting.

Findings: It was found that the application of nano calcite foliar fertilizer has positive effects on growth, yield, seed quality and insect resistivity. Hundred ppm nano calcite treatment with recommended soil added fertilizer could increase the final yield approximately about 1 ton/ha. Twenty five percent reduction or increment of soil added fertilizer than the recommended level with the application of nano calcite foliar fertilizer did not showed any significant yield variation. However, higher concentrations of nano calcite greatly reduce the pest damages to the crop.

Originality/ value: Results of the experiment revealed that nano calcite foliar application can increase rice yield to a certain extent. However, further experiments need to be done to ensure the sustainability of the application.