Role of Micronutrients in Direct-Seeded Rice

Abstract

Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is increasingly adopted because it saves water, labour and production costs compared with transplanted rice. However, nutrient management is more challenging under aerobic soil conditions, particularly the availability of micronutrients. Micronutrients such as zinc, iron, manganese, boron, copper, molybdenum, chlorine and nickel are required in small quantities but are essential for enzyme activation, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, reproductive development and stress tolerance. Zinc deficiency is the most widespread nutritional disorder in DSR and can severely reduce crop establishment and yield. Integrated management through soil application, seed treatment, foliar sprays and balanced fertilisation improves nutrient-use efficiency, grain quality and productivity. This review summarises the role of major micronutrients and their management in DSR.