Is it necessary to apply nitrogen as basal application to rice?
In soils with reasonable fertility there is no difference in yield whether the nitrogen meant for basal application is applied after final puddling or 15 to 20 days after transplanting. However, for soils of low fertility basal nitrogen application i.e. before transplanting is essential. The nitrogen should be incorporated after draining the water and then water is allowed in the field after 2 to 3 days. Nitrogen fertilizers should not be applied in standing water.
