Ways of applying boron and zinc to two upland rice cultivars

Abstract

The present study was undertaken with the objective of determining the effects of B and Zn on the yield of two upland rice cultivars : Carajás and Canastra. The soil was of the dystrophic type with a loamy texture. B and Zn were applied either as the total dose deposited in the sowing furrow, the total dose spread over the entire area or by foliar pulverization. The B and Zn doses were, respectively, of .0 and 4.0 kg ha-. The foliar application of the same dose was divided four times. B and Zn concentration in the soil was influenced by the treatments. B was found to leach along the soil profile ( 0 – 30 cm ) whereas Zn remained in the surface ( 0 - 0 cm) layer. B concentration in the plant increased when only B was broadcasted over the entire area. Zinc applied either as foliar pulverization or broadcasted over the entire area gave better results than the check treatment. The production and productivity components were not affected by the treatments. The cultivar Carajás was more productive than the Canastra.Additional keywords: irrigated rice; savannah; leaf spray; micronutrient.