Synergistic Effects of Root Dipping and Foliar Application of NPK (19:19:19) on Growth and Yield in Kharif Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

<jats:p>A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2025-26 at Seacom Skills University, West Bengal, to evaluate the effect of root dipping and foliar application of NPK (19:19:19) on the growth and yield of rice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications, involving different combinations of root dipping, recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF; 80:60:40 kg N:P₂O₅: K₂O ha-1), and foliar nutrition. The treatments were treatments were: T1-Absolute control, T2-Only root dipping; T3-RDF 100%; T4-Root dipping+RDF 100%; T5-Root dipping+RDF 50% (all basal); T6-Root dipping+50% RDF (N in split 50%, 25%, 25%); T7-Root dipping+(foliar application of NPK 19:19:19); T8-All foliar spray only NPK 19:19:19; T9-Root dipping+50% RDF (as basal)+foliar spray NPK 19:19:19. (Foliar spray: N:P: K 19:19:19 liquid fertilizer at 15-day intervals starting from 10 DAT up to milking stage, Root dipping: roots of uprooted seedlings dipped in NPK 19:19:19 @ 5 g l-1 water). Results showed that integrated nutrient management significantly improved growth and yield. T6 recorded higher early plant height (65.17 cm at 30 DAT) and crop growth rate (6.29 g m-2 day-1 at 60 DAT). T4 produced the tallest plants (97.0 cm), highest tillers (466.2 m-2), and maximum dry matter (708.67 g m-2). Highest grain yield was obtained in T4 (4488.3 kg ha-1), comparable with T3 and T9, while T9 recorded the highest harvest index (42.9%). The study clearly demonstrates that integration of root dipping with soil and foliar application of NPK enhances nutrient use efficiency, improves growth and productivity of kharif rice.</jats:p>