Growth Response of Upland Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Varieties to Nitrogen and Seed Rates in the Northern Guinea Savahah.

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) farm at Samaru during 2011 and 2012 rainy season. The treatments evaluated were two rice varieties (NERICA 4 and 8), three rates of nitrogen (0, 65 and 130 kg N ha^-1) and three seed rates (30, 60 and 90kgha^-1). The treatments were factorially combined and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Results obtained shows that NERICA 4 produced taller plants than NERICA 8. Application of nitrogen up to 65 kg N ha^-1significantly increased plant height, and leaf area index, however, crop growth rate and relative growth rate responded to applied 130 kg N ha^-1. Plant height was not significantly increased beyond seed rate of 60 kg ha^-1. Based on this study it can be concluded that both NERICA varieties can be sown at the rate of 60 kg ha^-1 with application of 65 kg N ha^-1.

Key words: NERICA, Nitrogen, Seed rate, Northern guinea savannah