Response of Rice (Oryza sativa) to the Application of Manganese in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

A pot experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture Makurdi to determine the effect of manganese fertilizer on the growth and yield of rice. Treatment consists of five levels of Manganese (Mn) (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg ha -1 ) in form of MnSO 4 . The treatments were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. The effect of Mn on the growth of rice indicate that there were no significant difference in the growth parameters measured with the exception of plant height at 8 weeks after planting and number of tillers at 4 weeks after planting. The tallest plants and highest number of tillers were obtained with 10 kg ha -1 Mn. The effect of Mn on the yield of rice indicate that there was a significant difference in the yield parameters measured with the exception of number of grain per panicle and root weight at 4 weeks after planting. Manganese at the rate of 10 kg ha -1 gave the highest grain yield (2,667 kg ha -1 ) and highest dry matter weight. Levels of Mn above 10 kg ha -1 led to yield decrease, therefore application of 10 kg ha -1 Mn was recommended for optimum yield of rice.