EFFECT OF MINERAL AND BIOLOGICAL FERTILIZERS ON THE QUANTITATIVE AND THE QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS OF RICE CULTIVARS

The efficient use and management of organic matter are important aspects of sustainable agriculture. The quality of organic matter is relatively low in most of soils in Iran and the continuous use of mineral fertilizers may create environmental hazards. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of combined use of mineral fertilizers along with organic manures on the rice production. The experiments were conducted in a randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with factorial treatments, in three replicates, in two local rice cultivars in North Iran, in 2016. Two local rice cultivars, Tarom Hashemi and Tarom Mahalli, were chosen as the first factor; mineral fertilizers in four levels 100% recommended NPK, 75% recommended nitrogen with 100% PK, 75% recommended phosphorous with 100% NK, and 75% recommended potassium with 100% NP were selected based on soil analysis and were arranged as the second factor; and three levels of bio-fertilizer 0 and 8 ton vermi-compost per hectare and 10 ton of rotted manure per hectare were the third factor. Results revealed that the highest paddy yield occurs with cultivar and bio-fertilizer interaction involving vermi-compost and manure usage for both cultivars. The highest paddy yield (3962 kg ha(-1)) occurs with 100% recommended NPK and vermi-compost consumption. The highest amount of gel consistency for cv. Tarom Hashemi was observed with 100 of NPK and 75% of recommended nitrogen and manure consumption. The maximum amylose content for cv. Tarom Mahalli was produced with 100% NPK recommended and manure consumption. Therefore, it can be concluded that by the integrated consumption of mineral and biological fertilizers, farmers can significantly reduce impacts of chemical fertilizers on the environment, and improve the qualitative and the quantitative parameters of rice cultivars with biological fertilizers.