Enhancing the yield of rice and corn using field-specific crop production management recommendations in selected areas in the Province of Iloilo, Philippines

Abstract

The researcher aims to determine the best planting time based on Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry (SARAI) and the Crop Simulation Model (Planting Calendar), and formulate site-specific nutrient management (SSNM). The research study was conducted from May 2018 to October 2021. There were twelve (12) adaptive planting calendar field trials in six (6) sites for Rice and six sites for Corn. The studies were conducted in farmers’ fields with two treatment plots measuring (15m2 x 15m2) 225 square meters each plot to compare the yield of Rice and Corn using Farmers Practice, and SARAI recommended planting date. On the other hand, Nutrient Management for corn trials was conducted in two (2) municipalities: Lambunao and Alimodian, with five (5) sites per municipality for Lambunao, Iloilo, and five (5) locations for Alimodian, Iloilo. A 225 square meter area treatment plots were used to compare yield of corn using Farmer’s Fertilizer Management, Site Specific Nutrient Management Practice and unfertilized plot as Check Plots treatment. Results of the trials revealed that the yields of rice and corn following SARAI recommendations regarding planting dates were highly significant compared to farmers practice. Site-specific nutrient management recommendations for corn also showed a significant increase in terms of kernel yield.