Effects of Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on the Growth and Productivity of Rice (Oryza Sativa L) in Fogera Plain, North Western Ethiopia
Zelalem Tadesse1*,Tilahun Tadesse1,Dereje Ayalew2
Citation :Zelalem Tadesse,Tilahun Tadesse,Dereje Ayalew, Effects of Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on the Growth and Productivity of Rice (Oryza Sativa L) in Fogera Plain, North Western Ethiopia International Journal of Research Studies in Agricultural Sciences 2017,3(9) : 36-44
An experiment consisting of a fertilizer rate of 69/23 kg N/P2O5 ha-1 and seven nitrogen application times was conducted on Vertisols of Fogera plain during 2016/2007 cropping season. The N application times were 1/2 at sowing + 1/2 at tillering (control), 1/3 at sowing + 2/3 at tillering, 1/3 at 15 days after sowing + 2/3 at panicle initiation, 1/3 at 25 days after sowing + 2/3 at panicle initiation, 1/3 at sowing + 1/3 at mid tillering + 1/3 at panicle initiation, 1/3 at 15 days after sowing +1/3 at panicle initiation +1/3 at heading and 1/3 at 25 days after sowing + 1/3 at panicle initiation +1/3 at heading. RCB Design with three replications was used. The objective of the experiment was to identify the best time of N fertilizer application for maximum rice yield in Fogera plain. Results showed significant difference in grain yield in response to time of N application. The highest mean grain yield (3.5 ton/ha) was recorded when N was applied 1/3 at 25 days after sowing and 2/3 at panicle initiation. The Agronomic Nitrogen Use Efficiency was higher when 1/3 of N was applied at 25 days after sowing + 2/3 at panicle initiation. Therefore, it can be concluded that nitrogen applied 1/3 at 25 days after sowing plus 2/3 at panicle initiation is the appropriate time for rice production in Fogera plain.