Abstract
Nitrogen is the most limiting nutrient in farming systems of Uganda. Research was conducted in E. Uganda at two sites (Doho and Nakisenye) with contrasting rice production systems to evaluate the benefits of either a mucuna – green manure, or an Azolla – green manure as well as inorganic fertilizers in rice production. Farmers in the Doho grow two rice crops in a year due to irrigation facilities. In contrast, Nakisenye farmers grow one rice crop during the long rains only. As green manure benefits are derived in the subsequent season, this study evaluated the benefits of the alternative systems over a two-season cycle There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase of 0.8 t ha-1 grain in response to a preceding mucuna crop and to the application of inorganic N at Nakisenye. The use of Azolla or the application of inorganic N was equally effective resulting in an average increase of 1.4 t ha-1 of grain, application of P and K fertilizers resulted in, an additional 0.9 t ha-1 of grain. The use of inorganic N fertilizers, mucuna and Azolla is economic viable in the rice farming systems and farmers will not lose money by adopting these interventions. Farmers appreciated the value of the alternative strategies for increasing crop yield plus other benefits. Variation in farmers’ assessment of the green manure emphasizes the need to provide multi-purpose ones, which can be tailored to prevailing conditions
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Kaizzi, C.K., Ssali, H., Nansamba, A., Vlek, P.L. (2007). The potential benefits of Azolla, Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis) and N fertilizers in rice production under contrasting systems in eastern Uganda. In: Bationo, A., Waswa, B., Kihara, J., Kimetu, J. (eds) Advances in Integrated Soil Fertility Management in sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Opportunities. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5760-1_39
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5760-1_39
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