E3 Journal of Environmental Research and Management

E3 Journal of Environmental Research and Management Vol. 4 (7) pp. 0299-0301, August 2013; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2141-7466

Response of NERICA rice to fertilizer application at Doko, central Nigeria.

Abstract

A field study was conducted at Emitsu-Ndadan, near Doko in Central Nigeria during the cropping seasons 2008 and 2009. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of four Nitrogen (N) rates, viz 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha, on the growth and yield of NERICA 1 (FARO 55). The experimental design was RCB, with three replications. Plot size was 4.0m x 3.0m (12m2). Rice was direct -seeded at 25.0cm inter and intra-row spacing. Half dose of N- rates and full dose of K and P were applied at planting and the remaining doze of N at 4 weeks after planting (WAP).. Data were collected on the growth and yield parameters of rice which were subjected to statistical analysis. All the parameters except days to 50% flowering were significantly affected by the N rates application. The highest grain yield (3.11 t/ha) was obtained with the application of 60 kg/ha N in Vunchi in 2009, while the least grain yield of 700 kg/ha resulted from the no application or the control at Emitsu Ndadan in 2008. There appears to be a direct relationship between the yield response of NERICA 1 and the quantity of N-fertilizer application in all the examined locations.

Keywords: Nerica, Rice, Fertilizer, Nitrogen, Faro.