PG-3

APPENDIX-IX
[Rule 14.1 (a)]

CCS HARYANA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

Synopsis of Thesis/Dissertation Problem of Post Graduate (M.Sc.) Student

Name of the student: Jyoti Admission No: 2024A67M

Major Subject: Soil Science Minor Subject: Agronomy

Major Advisor: Dr. Santosh Kumar Singh

TITLE OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

Effect of mode of application of zinc and iron on soil properties, growth, yield and nutrient
uptake in direct seeded rice

1. Objectives of investigation:

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), the world’s most important food crop has been grown for more than 6000
years in South Asia. India has the world’s largest area and is the second highest producer of rice. In India,
it is grown on an area of 47.83 million hectares with a production of 136.7 million ton (Anonymous,
2024a). Productivity of the crop in India and Haryana are 4320 kg ha -1 and 3564 kg ha-1 respectively
(Anonymous, 2024b). Moreover, among prevalent cereal grains, it stands out for its exceptional
characteristics, boasting the highest net protein utilization and digestible energy levels (Xie et al., 2022).
Over 90 percent of the world’s rice is produced and consumed in the Asia-Pacific Region. It is an
indispensable source of calories for almost half of the population with in Asia. Rice is an energy rich crop,
it contains 3470 kcal kg-1 of grains, 76.79 percent carbohydrates, 6.4-8.5 percent protein and 0.4-1.4
percent fat.
The traditional system of rice production (transplanted rice) is basically water, labour and energy
intensive. In recent years, water table is going down at a very rapid rate, leading to limited scope for
cultivation of high-water requiring crops. Therefore, there is an immense need of searching alternate
methods of rice cultivation. The direct seeded rice (DSR) is a resource conservation technology which
requires less labor, water and often matures earlier than transplanted crops (Mahajan et al., 2018).
Being a major food grain crop, it is a poor source of many essential micro-nutrients like Zn, Fe, B etc.
Thus, rice-based diet is responsible for micro-nutrient malnutrition. Although micronutrients are required
in small amount but they affect directly or indirectly photosynthesis, respiration, protein synthesis,
reproduction etc. Micronutrients are to be supplied in critical limit only, application in excess or less
amount results in yield reduction. In direct seeding, availability of several nutrients including N, P, K and
micronutrients such as Zn and Fe are reported to be a constraint in realization of production potential of
rice. Micronutrients, particularly zinc and iron have attained a great significance in today’s intensive and
exploitive agriculture with higher crop productivity.
A crucial micronutrient that is important for plants is iron (Fe), which is important for a number of
physiological and biological processes. It is necessary for a wide range of biological processes and is a
component of numerous essential enzymes. Because soil's accessible ferrous form oxidizes to an unusable
ferric form under aerobic conditions, iron shortage is more pronounced. One of the micronutrients that is
crucial for plants, animals and people alike is zinc. Zinc is involved in a variety of fundamental
biochemical activities, including protein synthesis, glucose and auxin metabolism, chlorophyll production,
pollen development, cytochrome, nucleotide synthesis, membrane integrity maintenance and energy
dissipation. Micronutrients like Zn and Fe are the major concern of dry direct seeded rice. Zinc deficiency
occurs due to high pH and high carbonate content and more bicarbonates in calcareous soils which
immobilize Zn because of inhibition effect. Iron availability becomes limited due high pH in the soil and
it becomes another major constraint in dry direct seeded rice.

In this study, the impact of applying ferrous sulphate and zinc sulphate on dry direct seed sown rice
growth and yield was investigated.

Keeping in view all the above concerns related to soil health and productivity, the present study is planned
to achieve the following objectives:
1. To study the effect of mode of application of zinc & iron on Physico-chemical properties of soil
2. To study the effect of mode of application of zinc & iron on growth, yield and nutrient uptake
3. To study the correlation coefficient between soil properties and yield attributes

A brief resume of work done in India and abroad:

Jinjala et al. (2024) conducted an experiment during kharif 2022 and 2023 to study the effect of
iron and zinc biofortification on the growth and yield of drilled rice (Oryza sativa L.) Based on
pooled analysis, almost all the growth attributes (periodical plant height, number of tillers plant -1,
leaf area, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation plant -1), yield attributes (productive tillers
m-2, number of filled grains panicle-1, panicle length, weight of panicle and 1000 grain weight),
grain yield (3035 kg/ha) and straw yield (5336 kg/ha) were recorded significantly higher under
treatment T10 (soil ZnSO4 + FeSO4 each @ 25 kg/ha). It can be concluded that, to obtain batter
growth and yields of drilled rice cv. GR 16 (Tapi), the crop should be fertilized with soil ZnSO 4 +
FeSO4 each @ 25 kg ha-1 and foliar ZnSO4 + FeSO4 each @ 0.5% at 30 & 60 DAS along with
RDF and soil ZnSO4 + FeSO4 each @ 25 kg ha-1 along with RDF.

Kumar et al. (2024) observed the effect of zinc and iron application on nutrient content and their
uptake by transplanted rice crop. The study of data revealed that the application of treatment
100% RDF + Spray of 1% ZnSO4 + 0.5% FeSO4 recorded significantly highest nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium content in grains and straw and uptake of these nutrients by grains and
straw and total uptake by transplanted rice crop.

Jangir et al. (2024) studied the soil micronutrients (Zn and Fe) fractions and response of rice
(Oryza Sativa) in different soil of Haryana under rice-wheat cropping system and discovered that
rice grain yield showed a positive correlation with soil Zn and Fe concentrations in soil before
sowing and a negative correlation with soil Fe and Zn concentrations in soil after crop harvesting.
In most of the soils studied, foliar spray alone Fe @ 0.5% foliar (45 DAS) and Zn @ 0.5% foliar
(35 DAS) improved Fe and Zn concentrations in rice significantly more than soil application of
25 mg Fe kg−1 and 5 mg Zn kg−1, respectively. The rice grain yield in clay soil was 14-42% higher
than in sandy soil with different doses of Zn and Fe application.

Mrinmoy et al. (2024) studied the effect of zinc application on growth, yield and nutrient uptake
of rice. Two CEMs were direct seeded rice (DSR) and transplanted puddled rice (TPR) and seven
levels of zinc and methods of application were namely control (Zn 0), Seed coating of Zn @ 1250
mg kg-1 (Zn1), Seed coating of Zn @ 2500 mg kg-1 (Zn2), Seed coating of Zn @ 3750 mg kg-1
(Zn3), two foliar sprays @ 1050 mg kg -1 (Zn4), three foliar spray @ 1050 mg kg -1 (Zn5), 2500 mg
kg-1 seed coating+2-foliar spray @ 1050 mg kg -1 (Zn6). In respect of yield attribute and yield, Zn 6
resulted significantly highest number of Panicle m -2 as well as number of filled grains panicle -1.
Zn3 though recorded 5.7% more grain yield than Zn 6 but later Zn6 resulted highest zinc
concentration and uptake. Zn1 recorded highest zinc use indices. Zn 1 resulted much highest Zn use
efficiency than foliar application and combined application of seed coating and foliar spray.
Correlation between Zn levels and Zn concentration in both grain and straw of rice was highly
positive; very highly positive correlation was recorded with the Zn levels and Zn uptake by both
grain and straw.
Sardar et al. (2024) studied the potential of vermicompost and different sources and methods of
zinc application on yield, content and uptake of N, P and K in rice crop and found that the
application of ZnSO4 @ 25kg ha-1 with RDF was equally good to the application of micronutrient
mixture and vermicompost with RDF. Nutrient assimilation at different stages by the rice crop
varied significantly due to application of different treatments in the study. Maximum nitrogen
content 1.43 and 1.58% at growing stage (30 DAT) and in grain (1.29 and 1.62%) during 2011
and 2012 found in T3, where 5 Kg zinc was applied with NPK @ 120: 60: 60 were significantly
higher than the rest of the treatments, while minimum N content recorded in T 1 control (without
fertilizers). N content at 60 DAT (1.36 and 1.48) and in straw (0.73 and 0.87%) was found
significantly.

Ganesh et al. (2023) studied the influence of iron, zinc and supplemental NPK on yield and yield
attributes of dry direct sown rice and the results revealed that the treatment involving RDF + 25
% additional NPK + 3% FeSO 4 at 15, 45, and grain filling + 1% ZnSO 4 at 15 DAS, 45 DAS and
grain filling exhibited superior performance across all growth parameters such as plant height,
leaf area index and dry matter production at 30 DAS and at harvest. Furthermore, compared to all
other treatments, this one produced a significantly higher grain yield and straw yield.

Abhishek et al. (2023) conducted an experiment with twelve treatments of iron and zinc
fertilization strategies viz. nutripriming, foliar application and soil drenching and found that
targeted application of micronutrients (Fe and Zn) significantly enhanced the DSR performance in
form of growth parameters, yield attributes, yield and nutrient content of grain and straw. Among
all the treatments, (T5) nutripriming of direct seeded rice with 0.5% iron sulphate plus 0.5% zinc
sulphate for 12 hours before sowing along with recommended dose of fertilizers has been found
best in terms of plant height, panicles per m 2, yield and Fe and Zn content in seed and straw of
rice.

Jan et al. (2022) conducted an experiment to evaluate the effect of different sources and levels of
iron on growth, yield and relative economics of rice and found that FeSO 4.7H2O @ 1% recorded
significantly higher growth, yield attributes and yield (grain and straw) as compared to other
treatments.

Sangothari et al. (2022) studied the effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Different
 Combination of Foliar Application of Nutrients on Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Aerobic Rice.
The experiment results concluded that the combined application of 150 % of recommended dose
of VAM and foliar application of 0.5% urea + 0.5% of ZnSO 4 + 1% of FeSO4 at 25 and 45 DAS,
significantly increased the nutrient uptake, by improving the morphology of shoot and root
biomass under upland condition.

Rao G. B. et al. (2020) conducted experiments with various combinations of zinc and iron
fertilizers. The results revealed that growth and yield attributes of rice viz., plant height, leaf area
index, dry matter production, productive tillers per square meter, number of grains per panicle,
test weight and the grain yield (6.08 t/ha) were recorded significantly higher in the soil
application of ZnSO4 @25 kg/ha + FeSO4 @30 kg/ha + foliar application of Zn EDTA @1% + Fe
EDTA @1%.

Jadhav et al. (2014) studied the Effect of ferrous and zinc nutrient management practices on rice
under aerobic condition and it is revealed that recommended dose of nitrogen, phosphorus and
potash i.e. 80 : 50 : 50 N-P-K kg/ha and FYM with soil application of Fe and Zn produced
significantly higher rice seed yield.

3. Technical programme of work

Treatments

T1 – Control RDF

T2 – RDF + 25kg ZnSO4/ha basal application

T3 - RDF + 0.5% ZnSO4 @40 DAS, 55DAS (two foliar spray)

T4 - RDF + 1% ZnSO4 @40 DAS, 55DAS (two foliar spray)

T5 - RDF + 50kg FeSO4/ha basal application

T6 - RDF + 0.5% FeSO4 @40 DAS, 55DAS (two foliar spray)

T7 - RDF + 1% FeSO4 @40 DAS, 55DAS (two foliar spray)

T8 - RDF + 0.5% FeSO4 + 0.5% ZnSO4 (one foliar spray)

T9 - RDF + 1% FeSO4 + 1% ZnSO4 (one foliar spray)

T10- RDF + 25kg ZnSO4/ha basal application+ 50kg FeSO4/ha basal application
 T11- RDF + 25kg ZnSO4/ha basal application+ 50kg FeSO4/ha basal application+ 0.5% FeSO4 + 0.5%
ZnSO4(one foliar spray)

T12- RDF + 25kg ZnSO4/ha basal application+ 50kg FeSO 4/ha basal application+ 0.5% FeSO 4 + 0.5%
ZnSO4(one foliar spray)

RDF* - 12: 4.8: 0

Location : KVK Fatehbad

Treatments : 12 (Nine)
Replications : 3
Design : Randomized block design (RBD)
Variety : PB - 1509
Plot size : 5mx5m
Spacing : 20 cm (line to line)

Observations to be recorded

A. Soil analysis

Physico-chemical properties of soil (Before sowing and after harvest of crop)

i. Soil texture after harvest of crop
ii. pH
iii. Electrical conductivity (dS/m)
iv. Soil organic carbon (%)
v. Available N,P,K (Kg/ha) and S
(mg/ha)
vi. DTPA extractable Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn (mg/kg)

B. Plant analysis

Total N, P, K, S and micronutrients Zn and Fe (%) content in grain and straw

C. Growth parameters

i. Plant height (in cm) at 30 DAS, 50 DAS, 70 DAS and at maturity

ii. No. of tillers per hill at 30 DAS, 50 DAS, 70 DAS and at maturity
iii. Dry matter per hill
C. Yield and yield Attributes of crop (at harvest)

i. Number of effective tillers (per m2) 30 DAS, 50 DAS, 70 DAS and at maturity
ii. No. of grains per panicle
iii. Test weight per 1000 grains (in g)
iv. Grain yield (kg/ha) and straw (t/ha)
v. Harvest index

D. Economic analysis: Net income and Benefit - Cost ratio

Collaboration with other Departments: Nil

Bibliography:
Abhishek, Mehta P. V., Patel A.P., Bhanvadia A. S., Yadav S. L., Singh D. P. & Birla D. (2023). Response of direct
seeded rice to iron and zinc fertilization strategies under middle gujarat conditions. International journal of
plant and Soil Science. DOI: 10.9734/IJPSS/2023/v35i183378
Anonymous, (2024a). Statistical Abstract, Government of India.

Anonymous, (2024b). Statistical Abstract, Government of India.

Ganesh, Y., Kumar, A. N., Reddy, S. T., Sandyarani, P., & Umamahesh, V (2023). Influence of iron, zinc and
supplemental NPK on yield and yield attributes of dry direct sown rice. Andhra Pradesh J Agril. Sci, 9(4),
262-266.
Jadhav, K.T., Lokhande, D.C. & Asewar, B.V. (2014). Effect of ferrous and zinc nutrient management practices on
rice under aerobic condition. Adv. Res. J. Crop Improv., 5(2), 131-135.
Jan, S., Rashid, Z., Bhat, T. A., Bhat, M. A., Ahngar, T. A., Mir, A. H., & Bhat, R. A. (2022). Performance of rice
(Oryza sativa) under varying sources and levels of iron in temperate Kashmir. Agricultural Research
Journal, 59(2).
Jangir, C. K., Sangwan, P. S., Panghaal, D., Kumar, S., & Pareek, S. S. (2024). Soil micronutrients (Zn and Fe)
fractions and response of rice (Oryza Sativa) in different soil of Haryana under rice-wheat cropping
system. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 47(19), 3393-3410.
Jinjala, V. R., Gudadhe, N. N., Tripathi, S., Chudasama, S. D., & Ninama, A. R. (2024). Influence of iron and zinc
biofortification on growth and yield of drilled rice (Oryza Sativa L.). Asian Journal of Soil Science and
Plant Nutrition, 10(4), 141-56.
Kumar, V., Kumar, D., Singh, Y. V., & Raj, R. (2015). Effect of iron fertilization on dry-matter production, yield and
economics of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa). Indian Journal of Agronomy, 60(4), 547-553.
Kumar, V., Patel, J. N., & Alam, M. S. (2024) Effect of foliar application of zinc and iron on nutrient content and
their uptake by transplanted rice crop (Oryza sativa L.). International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry
Research ·DOI: 10.33545/26174693. 2024.v8. i7Sf.1533
Mahajan, G., Sardana, V., Sharma, N., & Chauhan, B. S. (2018). Grain quality of dry-seeded rice in response to
sowing dates and genotypes. International Journal of Plant Production, 12, 95-106.
Rao, G. B., Balachandrakaumar, V., Immanuel, R. R., Nambi, J., & Raj, T. S. (2020). Influence of zinc and iron
fortified micronutrients on the growth, yield and economics of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Crop
Research, 55(5,6), 202-207.
Sangothari, A., Radhamani, S., Janaki, P., Ravichandran, V., Gnanachitra, M., & Thavaprakaash, N. (2024). Effect of
arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and different combination of foliar application of nutrients on nutrient uptake
and yield of aerobic rice. Agricultural Science Digest, 44(2), 265-269.
Sardar, S., Shahi, U. P., Kumar, A., & Dhyani, B. P. (2024) Impact of different sources and application modes of zinc
and vermicompost on N, P, K content and uptake in scented rice crop variety PUSA 1121 in sandy loam

soil. Plant Archives, 24(1), 47-54.

Xie, Z., Shah, F., & Zhou, C. (2022). Combining rice straw biochar with leguminous cover crop as green manure
and mineral fertilizer enhances soil microbial biomass and rice yield in South China. Frontiers in Plant
Science, 13, 778738.

Signature of Student
 CERTIFICATE

i. It is certified that Ms. Jyoti, Admission No. 2024A67M, M.Sc. student has delivered a synopsis
seminar on 21.03.2025 and all the suggestions have been incorporated.
ii. It is certified that the research proposed in the synopsis is a part of the research programme of the
Department of Soil Science in which Dr. Santosh Kumar Singh (Major Advisor) is involved.
iii. Certified that the synopsis has been evaluated internally and the necessary modifications have
been incorporated as suggested.
iv. It is certified that there is no duplicacy in the title of the synopsis.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Major Advisor: Dr. Santosh Kumar Singh

DES (Soil Science),
KVK Fatehabad
Dr. Rohtash Kumar
Sr. Scientist
Department of Soil Science
(Member from major subject)

Dr. Parveen Kumar

Associate Professor
 Department of Agronomy
(Member from minor subject)

Dr. Nitin Bhardwaj

Assistant Scientist
Department of Agronomy (Statistics)
(Member from supporting subject)

Dr. Ganesh Upadhyay

(Dean, PGS Nominee)
Assistant Scientist
Department of Farm Machinery & Power
Engineering

Forwarded (6 copies) to the Dean, Postgraduate studies for approval.

Approved

Dean, Postgraduate Studies Head of Department