COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT RATES OF NEEM OIL COATED AND UNCOATED UREA ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD PARAMETERS OF RICE

Abstract

Application of neem oil coated urea fertilizer is more effective in improving the growth and yield of cereals in a nutrient depleted soil compared to uncoated urea. Two (dry and rainy) seasons experiment was carried out at two locations of the Ambrose Alli University Teaching and Research Farm (Emaudo and Ujemen). The experiment was laid out in a Radomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eleven treatments replicated three times. The pre- planting soil testing was conducted in a laboratory and the results showed that the soil was deficient of essential nutrients and required fertilizer application. Neem oil coated and uncoated urea fertilizers were applied at different rates to soil on which rice the test crop was planted. The application of neem oil coated urea significantly (p< 0.05) increased the number of tillers, panicles and yield of rice compared the uncoated urea and control treatment. At Emaudo experimental site, the application of 100 % TD N by NOCU@ 1.25 L/Mt to rice was 40%, 41% and 64% higher than the granular urea, inhibitor and the control. Also, at Ujemen experiment site, the grain yield from the application of 100 % TD N by NOCU@ 1.25 L/Mt to rice was 34%, 32% and 66% higher than the granular urea, inhibitor and the control respectively. During the dry and rainy seasons at both locations the application of 100 % TD N by NOCU@ 1.25 L/Mt significantly (p< 0.05) increased the growth and yield of rice compared to other treatments, it is therefore recommended for farmers.