Farmer’s Knowledge on Weed Management, Soil Fertility and Moisture Conservation Practices on Rice Production, A Case Study of Mbarali District in Tanzania

Abstract

This study was intended to investigate farmer’s knowledge on weed management, soil fertility and moisture conservation in rice production. A field survey was conducted between December 2020 and February 2021 in Mbarali District involving 90 rice growers, whereby structured questionnaire was used cropping seasons 2020-21. The collected data were analysed to determine distribution of respondents per variables using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16. Mean separation in each variable was done using independent sample t-test at p≤0.05 level of significance to determine whether there was statistically significance different between each agronomic practice and productivity. The results revealed that weeds and soil fertility were big problems on rice productivity in Mbarali. The majority (98.9%) of interviewees reported to have challenges of weed infestation and all (100%) responding inadequate soil fertility constrains rice productivity, which forced them to use inorganic fertilizer for better yield. Farmers (43.3%) interviewed reported to have applied herbicides to control weed and majority (56.7%) of interviewees’ practised hand weeding as measures to manage weed infestation. Three practices which are application of inorganic fertilizer (100%) incorporating crop residues (90%) and application of organic manure (6.7%) were determined as being practised by farmers that facilitate the improvement of soil nutrients and conservation of water. Furthermore three types of seeds were identified as being used by farmers; Certified (6.7%), Quality declared seed (QDS) (36.7%) and Farmer saved seed (FSS) (56.7%). Furthermore, the results indicated significantly higher yield of famers use certified seeds (2.83 t/ha, P≤0.041), (23.67 t/ha, P≤0.001) and (3.52t/ha P≤0.001) for 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 production seasons respectively. How to Cite: Mkoka Hamza Juma, Kallunde P. Sibuga, Newton L. Kilasi, 2023. "Farmer’s Knowledge on Weed Management, Soil Fertility and Moisture Conservation Practices on Rice Production, A Case Study of Mbarali District in Tanzania." Journal of Agriculture and Crops, vol. 9, pp. 233-239.