Effects of Tillage Method on the Growth and Yield of Rice (oryza Sativa L.)

Student: Edujie Ehiabhi (Project, 2025)
Department of Soil Science
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State

Abstract

Rice production is facing significant challenges due to soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate change. This study evaluated the effects of three tillage treatments - zero tillage (ZT), harrowing (HA), and ploughing (PL) - on the growth and yield of rice. The treatments were fitted into a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated thrice. Faro-39 variety of rice was used as the test crop. The parameters determined were: growth parameters (plant height, numbers of tiller and numbers of leaf) at 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks after planting (WAP) and yield parameters (number of panicle and paddy rice weight) at harvest. All data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) while mean comparison was done using Least significant difference (LSD) test. The results showed that HA treatment had significantly highest number of tillers (29.00) and plant height (77.11 cm) at the various weeks after planting.The HA treatment also had the highest significant yield (6.55 t/ha) followed by the PL treatment (5.56 t/ha) and then the ZT treatment (3.96 t/ha). The findings suggest that harrowing can be a conventional tillage practice for promoting sustainable rice production in the study area

Keywords
Rice Tillage Methods
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