Influence of rice straw incorporation and nitrogen levels on growth dynamics, productivity and growth-yield relationships of rice cv. MTU1010

Sustainable management of rice straw through in situ incorporation has emerged as an important strategy for improving soil health and minimising residue burning in rice-based cropping systems. Therefore, optimisation of nitrogen (N) application under rice straw (RS) incorporation is essential for improving crop growth, productivity and efficient utilisation of available nutrients. The influence of three levels of RS incorporation (0, 3 and 6 megagram (Mg) ha-1) and four levels of fertiliser-N (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha-1) application on growth dynamics and rice yield was evaluated. Results revealed that moderate straw incorporation (S₃) significantly (p < 0.05) improved plant height, total tillers per square metre, leaf area index (LAI), grain yield and straw yield compared with S₆. Application of 120 kg N ha-1 resulted in the highest growth attributes and grain yields of 4.9 and 5.1 Mg ha-1 during 2024 and 2025 respectively. Grain yield under S₃ increased by 7.9 and 7.5 % over S₀ and by 13.9 and 16.2 % over S₆ during 2024 and 2025 respectively. Regression analysis indicated strong positive relationships between grain yield and growth parameters, particularly total tillers per square metre and LAI at later crop growth stages. The study concluded that incorporation of rice straw at 3 Mg ha-1 along with the application of 120 kg N ha-1 enhanced crop productivity while reducing environmental pollution associated with open-field rice straw burning in eastern India, contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).