Influence of Organomineral Fertilizer on Some Chemical Properties of Soil and Growth Performance of Rice (Oryza sativa l.) in Sokoto, Sudan Savanna Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of industrially formulated organomineral fertilizer (OMF) on some chemical properties of soil and growth performance of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Sokoto, Sudan Savanna zone of Nigeria. The experiment was carried out at the screen house of the Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The organomineral fertilizer used in this experiment was formulated with a grade of 9:3:3 N:P:K using the following materials: urea, rock phosphate, wood ash, neem seed, blood meal, cotton seed cake, cow dung and poultry droppings.  The experiment consisted of four levels of organomineral fertilizer (130, 170, 210, 250kg/ha) and control (without fertilizer) as treatments which were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). The growth parameters considered for rice performance were plant height, number of leaves and tillers per plant and total dry matter yield. Soil samples were collected from each experimental pot before planting and at harvest for physical and chemical properties determination.  The result shows that treatment had significant (p<0.05) influence on soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and rice growth performance. Application of 250 kilogram per hectare (OMF) gave the highest increase in pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, number of leaves and tillers per plant, the least values on all the parameters considered were recorded in the control pots. From the findings of this research, it was concluded that application of OMF at 130, 170, 210 and 250kg/ha improved the soil nutrient status and growth and yield of rice. Thus, organic residues fortified with mineral fertilizers have great potential in improving soil fertility status and for high production of rice in Sudan savanna agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. Keywords: Organomineral Fertilizer, Levels, Soil, Rice and Sudan savann