Response of paddy to optimizing yield and reducing chemical cost through organic practices

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2024–25 at ASPEE Agricultural Research & Development Foundation Farm, Palghar, Maharashtra, to study the effect of different organic and integrated nutrient management practices on the growth and yield of rice variety Ratnagiri-8. Seven nutrient management treatments involving organic manures, biofertilizers, integrated inputs, and chemical fertilizers were tested in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Among all treatments, T₂ (100% RDN through vermicompost + Azotobacter + PSB) recorded significantly higher plant height (101 cm), number of tillers (12.93), panicles (10), panicle length (25.12 cm), seeds per panicle (251.87), test weight (21.05 g), grain yield (5.10 t ha⁻¹), and straw yield (6.03 t ha⁻¹). The results demonstrate that complete replacement of chemical fertilizers with vermicompost along with biofertilizers is the most efficient practice to enhance yield while reducing dependency on inorganic fertilizers.