Title : Enhancing Lowland Rice Physiology with Integrated Nitrogen Nutrient Sources in Nigeria's Derived Savannah Ecology
Abstract:
Rice production in many Nigerian fields faces challenges due to limited nitrogen (N) availability in the soil, resulting in low yields for farmers. To combat the adverse effects of climate change and improve crop productivity, integrated nutrient management methods have been employed in lowland rice cultivation. This study focused on investigating the impact of integrated nutrient sources on NERICA L-34 and ARICA 3 varieties during the years 2017, 2018, and 2019. Several treatments were applied, including 100 kg N ha-1 (NPK), 75 kg N ha-1 (NPK) + 25 kg N ha-1 (manure), 50 kg N ha-1 (NPK) + 50 kg N ha-1 (manure), 25 kg N ha-1 (NPK) + 75 kg N ha-1 (manure), 100 kg N ha-1 (manure), and Control (without fertilizers). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with a split-plot arrangement, replicated three times. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the Duncan multiple range test (p≤0.05) in GENSTAT to compare rice's physiological parameters. The results indicated that applying 75 kg N ha-1 (NPK) + 25 kg N ha-1 (manure) significantly improved NERICA L-34's nutrient recovery (0.2430 kg kg?1) and nitrogen utilization efficiency (21.57 kg kg-1). Overall, NERICA L-34 outperformed ARICA 3 in terms of nutrient uptake and nitrogen utilization. Consequently, rice farmers are advised to prioritize cultivating NERICA L-34 due to its higher productivity and sustainability potential.
