Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Effect of soil and water management practices on the growth and yield of rice in the forest agro-ecology of Ghana

Author(s):

R.N. Issaka ^1*, M.M. Buri ¹, T. Wakatsuki ²

Recieved Date: 2008-10-08, Accepted Date: 2008-12-12

Abstract:

Rice production in Ghana faces several problems: notably water shortage, low soil fertility, poor soil and water management and appropriate varieties for the various production systems. A study was started in 2006 and repeated in 2007 with the main objective of comparing the effect of four soil and water management practices on the growth and yield of four rice varieties [Bouake 189, Sikamo and Wita 7 (medium maturing varieties) and Jasmine 85 (early maturing variety)]. The four soil and water management practices included: 1) farmers’ practice (Control) (plots ploughed and puddled); 2) bunded non-leveled field (plots bunded, ploughed and puddled); 3) bunded and leveled field (plots bunded, ploughed, puddled and leveled) and 4) sawah (plots bunded, ploughed, puddled and leveled). Supplementary irrigation was provided only to the sawah plots. Grain yield was similar for all the varieties. Soil and water management practices affected some soil properties. Soil pH and exchangeable cations increased in 2007 for all bunded treatments, the increase being more pronounced under sawah treatment. Soil and water management practices significantly influenced number of panicles per plant, harvest index and grain yield. In 2007 grain bunded non-leveled yield increased in the following order, farmers’ practice < bunded non-leveled < bunded leveled < sawah. ‘Bouake 189’ under sawah treatment gave the highest grain yield which was similar to ‘Sikamo’ and ‘Wita 7’ also under sawah treatment. In addition to making water available, structures for water control (bunding, puddling and leveling) were essential and significantly improved rice yield.

Keywords:

Bunding, leveling, puddling, soil properties, water management

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2009
Volume: 7
Issue: 1
Category: Environment
Pages: 214-218

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