EFFECTS OF PLANT SPACING AND WATER CONTROL ON THE YIELD OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.) IN THE SYSTEM OF RICE INTENSIFICATION

Abstract

Yield of rice obtained by farmers in rain-fed situation is about 1200 kg/ha which is far below 2710 kg/ha obtained elsewhere. There is need for improved cultural method other than fertilizer application to increase output. System of rice intensification (SRI) has helped to improve rice yield. The objectives of the study were to determine how spacing and water control affect yield of rice. The study was conducted at Golinga under irrigation scheme and also at Yendi under rain fed situation in 2014 cropping season. The rice variety used was Jasamine 85 locally called “Gbewa Rice” with maturity period of 120 days. Two water control systems, continuous and intermittent flooding served as main plots in a split plot design. Four plant spacing (20 x 20 cm, 25 x 25 cm, 30 x 30 cm and 40 x 40 cm) were used as subplot treatments. Organic matter at 10000 kg/ha was incorporated without the application of NPK fertilizer. Data on root dry matter, plant height and tillering were taken at 15 days interval till harvest at 105 days. Data on yield parameters were also taken. Results showed that increased plant spacing and intermittent flooding did not lead to higher yield. Shorter plant spacing of 20 x 20 cm and continuous flooding that gave higher yield of 5230 kg/ha. Continuous flooding favoured narrow spacing (20 x 20 cm) in the productive tillers proliferation while intermittent flooding favoured longer spacing. Plants spaced at 25 x 25 cm produced significantly higher number of panicles (154.3 panicles / m2) under continuous flooding than all treatments. The highest root dry matter was obtained at 40 x 40 cm with intermittent flooding and that could not translate into superior grain yield. The use of continuous flooding and shorter plant spacing was superior to the practices of SRI i.e. longer plant spacing and intermittent flooding. Shorter plant spacing and continuous flooding is therefore recommended to farmers.