A field experiment was conducted at Annamalai University Experimental Farm, Annamalainagar, during Samba season 2017 (August-November) to evaluate different methods of rice cultivation along with certain levels of nutrients and sources, on its growth, yield parameter and economics of rice. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design. The planting methods was assigned to main plots while, different levels and sources of nutrients to the sub plots. Two planting methods viz., (M1)wet seeded method and (M2) transplanting method were tried. The sub treatments were, Control (No manure) (S1), Recommended dose of fertilizer (120:38:38 N, P and K kg ha-1) (S2), RDF (120:38:38 N, P and K kg ha-1) + Pressmud (5 tonnsha-1) + zinc sulphate (25 kg ha-1) (S3), RDF (120:38:38 N, P and K kg ha-1) + Azospirillum bracilance @ 2 kg ha-1 as a soil application + zinc sulphate (25 kg ha-1) (S4), RDF (120:38:38 N, P and K kg ha-1) + pressmud (5 tonnsha-1) + Azospirillum bracilance @ 2 kg ha-1 as a soil application + zinc sulphate (25 kg ha-1) (S5).The results of the study revealed that, among the main plot treatments, i.e., various levels of crop establishments, transplanting method recorded significantly highest grain 4421 kg ha-1and straw yield 5058 kg ha-1rate than compare to direct seeded method of planting. Among different sources and levels, i.e., five sub plot treatments, large variation were noticed RDF (120:38:38 N, P and K kg ha-1) + pressmud (5 tonnsha-1) + Azospirillum bracilance @ 2 kg ha-1 as a soil application + zinc sulphate (25 kg ha-1) (S5) recorded highest grain 5244 kg ha-1and straw yield 5927 kg ha-1compared to the rest of the treatments, yet, it was found on par with (S3). Gross monetary returns (Rs. 82868), net monetary returns (Rs. 50173) and B:C ratio (Rs. 2.53) were recorded significantly higher in transplanting method compare to direct seeded method of planting. Among different sources and levels, i.e., five sub plot treatments, large variation were observed RDF (120:38:38 N, P and K kg ha-1) + pressmud (5 tonnsha-1) + Azospirillum bracilance @ 2 kg ha-1 as a soil application + zinc sulphate (25 kg ha-1) (S5) was better for realizing higher grain yield, straw yield and economic returns apart from sustainable better soil nutrient status.

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