Effect of Seed Soaking on Seedling Vigour, Growth and Yield of Rice

Studies were conducted over two years to evaluate the effect of seed soaking with biodigested slurry, zinc sulphate, Azospirillum, phosphobacteria and phytohormone in rice. The result of pot culture study showed that seed soaking in a combination of biodigested slurry. Azospirillum, phosphobacteria, zinc sulphate and phytohormone improved seedling characteristics such as plumule length, radicle length, biomass and seedling vigour. The N uptake increased by 11.8% at seedling stage (30th day). Soaking of seeds in a combination of nutrients enhanced the growth and yield attributes. Seed soaking in this combination of nutrients increased the grain yield by 8.8 % over unsoaked seeds. Uptake of N, P and K also enhanced by various soaking treatments. Uptake of zinc was not influenced by soaking treatments. The study indicated that seed soaking in a combination of organic, inorganic nutrient and biofertilizers is a good pre-sowing technique for rice.