Ground-based radiometric measurements were conducted on six varieties of rice crop during an entire growth cycle using a hand-held seven-band radiometer. Concomitant measurements of some of the yield attributes were also made. Spectral data were also collected on a single variety grown under 12 different fertilizer treatments. Spectral data have been correlated with leaf area index, total wet biomass, total dry biomass, plant water content and final grain, straw and total yield. The results show similar temporal spectral responses of all six varieties and a strong correlation of agronomic parameters with spectral parameters derived from the near-infrared and red radiances. Red and near-infrared radiance ratio and normalized differences were found sensitive to the N fertilizer application but not to the P and K fertilizers. Linear correlations were observed between spectral parameters and final grain, straw and total yield