Determination of Alternative Fertilizer Recommendation for Rice (Oryza Sativa) in the Nigerian Northern Guinea and Sudan Savannas

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa) is the primary staple food for about 50% of the world's population and its consumption is growing
faster than any other crop in Africa. A major threat to rice production is incorrect fertilizer application, which majority of
the farmers assumes to be constant over time and over large areas. The fertilizer recommendation for rice in Nigeria
consists of one predetermined rate of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) for vast areas of crop lands. This
study employed field data to develop alternative fertilizer recommendation (AFR) for rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Northern
Guinea and Sudan savannas. Field trials were conducted for two years (2010 and 2011) in the rainy season at Samaru and
Kadawa Research Farms (irrigation section) of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, representing the two locations. Seventeen
(17) NPK fertilizers treatments combinations were formulated and laid out in a randomized complete block design,
replicated 4 times, giving a total of 68 plots in each location. The results showed that the soils of the study sites were
slightly acid (pH 6-7) with low total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases, organic carbon and moderate in
CEC. This confirmed the soils to be low in inherent soil fertility status, indicating need for additional nutrient inputs to
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increase their productivity. Application of 120 kg N ha , 50 kg P ha and 50 kg K ha fertilizer NPK rates gave the highest
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yield of 3490.3 kg ha and 3798.6 kg paddy ha at Samaru and Kadawa, respectively.