Abstract:
Purpose: Around the world nano calcite (NC) is used as an environmental friendly foliar fertilizer to
enhance yield of many crops. In Sri Lankan context this fertilizer has not yet been tested for crops.
Therefore, this study examined the eff ect of foliar application of NC on yield, yield components, seed
quality and insect resistivity of rice and the interaction eff ect of NC foliar fertilizer with diff erent rates
of soil added fertilizer.
Research Method: Field experiments were conducted in 2015/2016 Maha and 2016 Yala seasons at
the Regional Rice Research Institute, Ambalanthota, Sri Lanka. The rice variety used for the study
was At 362. Four levels of nano calcite (0, 50, 100 and 150ppm) with 3 levels of soil added fertilizers
(recommended fertilizer mixture, 25% over and above the recommendation) were tested. Data was
collected at 30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting and at the harvesting.
Findings: It was found that the application of nano calcite foliar fertilizer has positive eff ects on growth,
yield, seed quality and insect resistivity. Hundred ppm nano calcite treatment with recommended soil
added fertilizer could increase the fi nal yield approximately about 1 ton/ha. Twenty fi ve percent reduction
or increment of soil added fertilizer than the recommended level with the application of nano calcite
foliar fertilizer did not showed any signifi cant yield variation. However, higher concentrations of nano
calcite greatly reduce the pest damages to the crop.
Originality/ value: Results of the experiment revealed that nano calcite foliar application can increase
rice yield to a certain extent. However, further experiments need to be done to ensure the sustainability
of the application.
