Effects of Micronutrient on Productivity and Profitability of Rice under Three Growing Environments in Tanzania
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Date
2018
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Abstract
Rice production in sub-Saharan Africa is often limited by nutrient deficiencies, necessitating the application of micronutrients along with NPK fertilizers to enhance and sustain yields. This study aimed to compare the efficiency and effectiveness of foliar and soil-applied micronutrients in rice production and analyze their cost-effectiveness. Thirty on-farm trials were conducted in three rice-growing conditions: irrigated lowland, rainfed lowland, and upland. Multiple treatments were applied, including five foliar nutrient products and one soil application of micronutrients per trial, under two blocks of NPK and no NPK. The results revealed significant yield increases with the application of micronutrients in rainfed and irrigated lowlands, but the effectiveness in upland conditions remained unclear. Soil application of micronutrients showed higher yield and economic benefits than foliar application, albeit at higher application rates. Therefore, in Tanzania's rainfed and irrigated lowland conditions, soil and foliar application of micronutrients can be recommended, but further studies are required for confirmation. The study also highlighted the variability in micronutrients' efficiency and cost benefits across different rice growing conditions. The findings emphasize the importance of considering site-specific factors and the choice of application method for optimizing rice production in Tanzania.
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Keywords
Rice, Micronutrients, Foliar application
Citation
Senthilkumar, K., F.S. Sillo, I. Dieng, J. Rodenburg, K. Saito, E. Vandamme, C. Dimkpa, J. Wendt, and P.S. Bindraban. 2018, October. “Effects of Micronutrient on Productivity and Profitability of Rice under Three Growing Environments in Tanzania,” International Rice Congress 2018, Singapore.