ISSN 2375-1231
African Journal of Crop Science ISSN 2375-1231 Vol. 3 (9), pp. 230-233, November, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Influence of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer application on grain yield of upland rice in Eastern Uganda
Ochwoh V.A.1, Nankya, E.2, Abulo P.3, Obuo, P.3
1Professor/Director-Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations; Busitema University, P. O. Box 236, Tororo-Uganda.
2Soil Fertility Scientist-BuginyanyaZonalAgricultural Research and Development Institute (BugiZARDI)-Under National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO); P.O.Box 1356-Mbale-Uganda.
3Research Officers-National Semi-Arid Agricultural Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI)-NARO; P.O .Box Private bag-Soroti.
Corresponding Author: E-mail: [email protected]. Tel. +256- 772-479379
Accepted 15 July, 2015
Abstract
Rice (Oryzasativa) is increasingly becoming an important food and cash crop in Uganda especially among small-scale holder farmers. Declining soil fertility is thought to be the major production constraint leading to low yields. Nitrogen and phosphorus are the major limiting nutrients to rice production in most rice growing areas in Uganda especially in the Eastern region. A study was conducted to explore the yield benefits associated with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization. Screen house experiments were conducted at Serere Agricultural and Animal Production Research Institute (SAAPRI). Two upland rice cultivars were grown in soil which had been continuously cultivated. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design arranged in split-split plots with variety as main plots, nitrogen and phosphorus treatments as sub-sub plots. Phosphorus at three rates (0, 25 and 50 kg P2O5 ha-1) was applied at planting and Nitrogen at five rates (90, 150, 180 and 240 kg N ha-1) was applied two weeks after planting. Nitrogen and phosphorus application significantly (P<0.05) influenced grain yield of upland rice. However, combined application of nitrogen and phosphorus at 150 kg N ha-1 and 25kg P2O5ha-1 respectively, gave highest and significant effect (P<0.05) on grain yield.
Key words:Oryzasativa, nitrogen, phosphorus, upland rice, Eastern Uganda.