Influence of integrated in-soil zinc application and organic fertilization on yield, nitrogen uptake and nitrogen use efficiency of rice

Zinc deficiency is the most widespread challenge in rice cultivation, as well as the shortage of agricultural soil in organic matter, especially in Egypt. So it was experimentation of compost treatment (12 t ha-1) and in-soil zinc applications at three rates (0, 8 and 16 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1), on growth, yield, total nitrogen uptake, agronomic nitrogen efficiency and nitrogen recovery efficiency of rice crop (Oryza sativa), variety Giza 178. Using organic fertilization as compost has recorded the highest values of plant height, dray weight, grain yield, straw yield, total nitrogen uptake, agronomic nitrogen efficiency and nitrogen recovery efficiency. In addition, in-soil zinc application rates are increasingly applied to the previous parameters. The increase in rice grain and straw yield by applying 12 t compost ha-1 was 13.4% and 7.14%, respectively, while applying 16 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1 increased the rice grain yield by 12.31% and 17.55% increase in rice straw yield. Remarkable results have been registered when examining 16 kg Zn ha-1 with 12 t compost ha-1 on total nitrogen uptake and nitrogen recovery efficiency have been enhanced even under saline soil conditions.