Effect of Iron Fertilization on the Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

A pot experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture Makurdi, in the Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria. This study was to determine the response of rice to Fe fertilization. Surface soil sample (0-20 cm) was collected from the Research farm. Sub samples of the soil were analyzed for physico-chemical properties using soil analytical procedures and the remaining samples kept for pot experiment. Four (4) Kg of the soils were weighed into perforated plastic pots of 5 L capacity. Treatment consists of five levels of Fe (0 kg ha^-1, 15 kg ha^-1, 30 kg ha^-1, 45 kg ha^-1 and 60 kg ha^-1) in the form of FeSO₄. The treatments were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Ten (10) seeds of rice (FARO 44 variety) were planted per pot and later thinned to 5 plants per pot two weeks after planting. Fertilizer equivalent to 80 kg N, 30 kg P₂O₅ and K₂O were applied to all the pots as basal application and the Fe rates distributed accordingly to the pots at planting with the control treatment pots without Fe application. The crops were grown to maturity and all agronomic practices carried out as at when due. Data was collected on selected growth and yield parameters. Response of rice to the application of Fe fertilizer was obtained with 30 kg ha^-1 giving the best results in all parameters studied. For optimum yield of rice on this soil, 30 kg ha^-1 of Fe is recommended to farmers.