Effects of Iron and Boron Application Rates on Growth and Yield Parameters of Rice (Oryza sativa L. spp.)

Iron (Fe) and boron (B) are essential micronutrients for rice growth, yet their optimal application rates for enhancing productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa remain poorly defined. This study evaluated the effects of varying levels of Fe and B fertilization on the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.). A pot experiment was conducted using two rice varieties, CRI-Agra and CRI-Enapa, arranged in a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial structure (variety × Fe level × B level) and three replications. Treatments comprised three levels each of Fe and B applied singly and in combination, alongside a control without micronutrient application. Growth parameters, including germination percentage, plant height, chlorophyll content, and biomass accumulation, were assessed during crop development, while yield components and grain yield were measured at harvest.Application of Fe and B significantly improved growth and yield attributes relative to the control (p < 0.05). Significant treatment effects were observed for plant height, number of tillers, number of panicles, straw yield, harvest index, and 100-seed weight. Combined application of Fe and B produced superior responses compared with sole applications, indicating a synergistic effect. Treatments Fe12B0.45, Fe18B0.3, and Fe18B0.45 consistently resulted in enhanced vegetative growth and yield performance across both varieties. Grain yield increased by up to 25% in selected treatments compared with the control. Improved chlorophyll content and biomass accumulation under Fe and B application suggest enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. Post-harvest soil analysis indicated increased micronutrient availability in treated pots.The findings demonstrate that appropriate Fe and B fertilization can significantly enhance rice growth and yield under controlled conditions. These results highlight the importance of optimizing micronutrient management for rice production; however, field-based validation across diverse agro-ecological conditions is required before broad agronomic recommendations can be made.