EFFECTS OF MUCUNA (MUCUNA UTILIS L.) RESIDUE INCORPORATION AND NITROGEN LEVELS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF UPLAND RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.)

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted at two locations: University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB) and Olowo-Papa (OP) in Ogun state both in Forest-savannah transition zone of Nigeria to investigate the response of three upland rice cultivars (O.sativa) to mucuna residue incorporation and Nitrogen (N) fertilizer and the effects of residues incorporation on the soil chemical properties. The experiment was split plot in randomized complete block design in which mucuna constituted the main plot (factor A) i.e.non-mucna and mucuna plot and factorial combination of N fertilizer rates (factor B) and rice varieties (factor C) as subplot factors. Mucuna residue incorporation improved soil chemical properties such as Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K), Organic Matter (OM), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and Acidity (pH) at both locations. Rice plant treated with mucuna residue alone gave higher grain yield than control (no residue) at OP while there was no significant difference at UNAAB. Fertilizer equivalent of the green manure used was estimated to be 30kgN /ha at OP. Grain yield response of the rice varieties to N-fertilizer were linear and curvilinear at OP and UNAAB, respectively. The yield of the two improved varieties (ITA150 and ITA257) were significantly higher than OFADA variety at both locations. Mucuna residue from the dry season fallow appeared to improve soil chemical properties as well as grain yield.



[Niger Agric. J. 34 (2003): 49-57]