Dike, Chidubem Jennifer *
Department of Crop and Soil Science , University of Port Harcourt , Nigeria
Publication History
Received 09 .08.2025
Accepted 29.08.2025
Published online 01.09.2025
Cite as
Dike, C. J. (2025). Effect of organic mulching on weed suppression, growth and yield of rice varieties in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. International Journal of Scholarly Resources, 18(1), 100–117.
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of organic mulching on weed suppression, growth, and yield of upland rice (UPN 304) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. A randomized complete block design with four treatments (sawdust, wood shavings, dried guinea grass, and control) and four replications was employed. Mulch materials were applied at 2kg per plant with 2cm thickness at 2 weeks after planting. Data were collected on growth parameters (plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, and tillers), yield components (fresh and dry weight of tillers, number and weight of panicles, 100-grain weight), and weed biomass at two-week intervals from 4-12 weeks after planting. Results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in growth parameters among treatments, though sawdust achieved the highest plant height (45.20 cm). Dried grass mulch significantly increased fresh tiller weight (6788.89 kg/ha) compared to control (3166.67 kg/ha), while wood shavings produced the highest 100-grain weight (45333.33 kg/ha). Unexpectedly, control plots demonstrated better weed suppression than mulched treatments, possibly due to late mulch application. Wood shavings and dried grass are recommended for enhanced rice yield, though application timing requires optimization for effective weed management.
Keywords: Rice production, organic mulching, weed suppression, sawdust, wood shavings, guinea grass, yield components
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Reference
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