Influence of transplanting dates and varieties on productivity, nutrient uptake, quality, and soil health in basmati rice under intermediate hill conditions of Jammu and Kashmir

An experiment was conducted to assess the evaluation of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties at different dates of transplanting under the intermediate hill zone of Jammu. The study faced challenges due to the complex interactions between transplanting dates and rice varieties under the variable climatic and topographic conditions of the intermediate hills of Jammu & Kashmir, which impacted uniform field management, data accuracy, and long-term assessment of soil health. The soil of the experimental site was clay loam in texture, slightly alkaline in reaction, medium in organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, with electrical conductivity in the safer range. Based on the field experiment, Jammu basmati-123transplanted on 10th June 2021, showed significant nutrient uptake in straw and straw yield. Whereas Chandak basmati local transplanted on same day recorded significant nutrient uptake in grain, and grain yield. Among the quality parameters, the kernel length and length breadth ratio were found highest in Jammu basmati-123transplanted on 10th June 2021, whereas the crude protein content, amylose content, and kernel breadth were highest in Chandak basmatitransplanted on the same day. However, with regard to net returns and B: C ratio, basmati ricetransplanted on 10th June 2021 recorded highest net return, Among the varieties Chandak basmati recorded highest net returns which was closely followed by the variety Jammu basmati- 118 transplanted on same day.