Root Morphological Characteristics of Five Rice Genotypes with Different Nitrogen Use Efficiency

While nitrogen (N) uptake in rice has been extensively studied, the influence of root morphology on this process is not fully elucidated. This study explores the root morphological characteristics and N uptake of five diverse rice genotypes under different N sources, including novel slow-release nanoclay polymer/biopolymer composite (NCPC/NCBPC) fertilizers. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using five diverse rice genotypes (Swarna, Pusa Basmati-1, Pusa-44, MTU1010 and Nagina-22) with five N treatments (T1- control (without N fertilizer), T2- 100% RDF of N through urea, T3- 75% RDF of N through urea loaded NCPC, T4- 75% RDF of N through urea loaded NCBPC-I (NCBPC prepared with wheat flour), T5- 75% RDF of N through urea loaded NCBPC-II (NCBPC prepared with maida)). The results of the study revealed that maximum overall root growth was recorded under Pusa Basmati-1 followed by Swarna, MTU 1010, Nagina-22 and Pusa-44. Among the N treatment, maximum root growth and N uptake was recorded under NCPC treatment followed by NCBPC-II, NCBPC-I, urea and control. Thus, the study reveals significant variations in root traits among genotypes and N treatments, with notable improvements observed under NCPC and NCBPC based N treatments.