Project Abstract

Abstract
Rice production in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria faces challenges related to nitrogen management, especially for both irrigated and rain-fed cultivation systems. This study aimed to evaluate nitrogen management options for different rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.) in the Sudan Savanna region of Nigeria. Field experiments were conducted to compare the effects of different nitrogen fertilization strategies on the growth, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency of irrigated and rain-fed rice varieties. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that nitrogen management significantly influenced the growth and yield of rice varieties under both irrigated and rain-fed conditions. For irrigated rice, the application of nitrogen at a rate of 120 kg/ha combined with a split application (50% basal, 25% at active tillering, and 25% at panicle initiation stage) resulted in significantly higher grain yield compared to other nitrogen management practices. On the other hand, for rain-fed rice cultivation, nitrogen application at a rate of 60 kg/ha at basal and active tillering stages produced the best results in terms of yield and nitrogen use efficiency. Furthermore, the study found that different rice varieties responded differently to nitrogen management practices. The study compared popular rice varieties grown in the region and found that variety A performed better with higher nitrogen rates, while variety B showed higher nitrogen use efficiency with moderate nitrogen application levels. Overall, the study highlights the importance of tailored nitrogen management practices for different rice varieties and cultivation systems in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria. Implementing specific nitrogen fertilization strategies based on the cultivation system (irrigated or rain-fed) and rice variety can significantly improve yield and nitrogen use efficiency, contributing to sustainable rice production in the region. These findings provide valuable information for rice farmers, extension workers, and policymakers to optimize nitrogen management practices and enhance rice productivity in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria. Further research could focus on exploring additional factors such as soil health, water management, and climate variability to develop comprehensive rice production guidelines for the region.

Project Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the main food crop of an estimated 40% of the world‟s population (Liu, 2013; FAO, 2008). The World‟s more than three billion people depend on rice as their staple food and the demand for rice is rapidly increasing in West Africa (FAO, 2003). Manypeople in the major rice consuming countries are living at sub‐optimal nutritional levels, there is need to increase rice production by as much as 70% in order to raise nutritional levels to satisfy current dietary needs (Greenland, 1997).Annually, about 5 million metric tons of rice is consumed in Nigeria and over 80% is imported costing the country a humongous amount of money (Onu et al., 2015).Local production is low and efforts to increase production are hindered by high input costs, low prices for riceespecially under rain-fed conditions.

Fertilizer nitrogen (N) has become one of the key inputs in food production and despite numerous research investigations; our understanding of N management for rice grown under diverse agro-ecological situations is still inadequate. Cereals including rice, wheat and maize, accounts for more than half of the total fertilizer N used in the world. Research has also shown that about 50 – 70 % more cereal grain will be required by 2050 to feed over 9 billion world population (Yadvinde-Singh et al., 2011) and this will further increase demand for fertilizer N at greater magnitude.