Effect of Sesbania rostrata on Nitrogen Uptake and Yield of Lowland Rice

Nitrogen inputs into rice fields can be increased by cultivation of green manure crops. Many Sesbania species have been generally grown by the rice farmers in India and these green manures are capable of contributing significant amount of nitrogen in 45 to 90 days period by their association with the nitrogen fixing symbiotic bacterium – Rhizobium . Field experiments conducted at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India, during Dry and Wet seasons in 1987–88 with medium duration (145 days) rice variety CO 43. Sesbania rostrata produced higher biomass on 60th day after sowing and accumulated higher percentage of nitrogen. Application of fertilizer nitrogen with S. rostrata have increased the nitrogen uptake and yield of rice.