Influence of growth stages and soil types on performance of rice (Oryza sativa L.) accessions grown in flooded paddy soil

Abstract

Soil and its microorganisms have for long been known to contribute to the performance of plant with regards to nutrient availability and  uptake, therefore knowledge of its properties and its role is very vital in crop productivity. The study focused on assessing the structure of microbial communities in the rhizosphere of rice plants in Ebonyi State, considering soil types, rice varieties, and plant growth stages. Soil  samples were collected from paddy fields, sieved, and flooded with ionized water before planting four rice accessions from the Biotechnology Research Centre of EBSU. Physicochemical parameters of the soils were analyzed, showing slightly acidic pH levels, various  fractions of sand, organic carbon, organic matter, and essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Pore water analysis revealed the presence of organic and inorganic ions, with higher concentrations of certain ions in planted soils compared to  unplanted ones. The microbial population differed significantly between planted and unplanted soils, with varying effects of different rice accessions on microbial load. The study also observed changes in microbial populations at different growth stages of rice plants, with the  microbial load decreasing as plants grew. The findings suggest that selecting adapted rice cultivars can enhance yields, reduce fertilizer usage, and improve food security. This research provides valuable insights for rice farmers and breeders to optimize productivity.