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A microplot experiment was conducted to compare organic matter from dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata)(40 t/ha) and well decomposed cowdung (60 t/ha) and standard fertilizer treatment (80-60-40 kg N-P2 O5-K2O/ha) in terms of their effects on the performance of rice and on soil properties. The application of organic matter and chemical fertilizer increased tiller and panicle production and straw and grain yields of the first crop. However, dhaincha caused excessive vegetative growth which hampered grain formation owing to mutual shading, so that the grain yield increase was minimal with dhaincha. In the subsequent crop, significantly higher grain yield over control was obtained from the plots which received organic matter in the previous crop season. The concentrations of Zn in both the soil (available) and rice straw were lower for the organic matter treatments. Relatively higher levels of exchangeable K, total N and CEC of soil were observed in the organic matter treated plots. Remarkable improvement in soil physical properties, such as decrease in bulk density and an increase in moisture retention at field capacity were brought about by the application of dhaincha.