Comparison of the system of rice intensification and conventional production in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Issue Date

8-2007

Abstract

The field was conducted at the PhilRice Batac Experiment Station in Batac, Ilocos Norte during the wet season of 2006. The split-split plot design in RCBD was used with 3 fertilizer treatments (pure inorganic, 50% inorganic and 50% organic, and pure organic), 2 production systems (SRI and conventional), and 2 spacings (20 x 20 cm and 30 x 30 cm). At maturity the conventional had more tillers than the SRI. The conventional system using 21-25 day old seedlings planted at 2-3 seedlings per hill and with continuous irrigation had higher root pulling resistance, leaf area index, and harvest index and higher grain yield than SRI. Conventionally growth plant produce longer panicles, more filled grains, and higher 1000-seed weight than those under the SRI method. The reported higher yield level of SRI were not obtained in the study probably due to 1) higher weed population due to intermittent wetting and drying irrigation , 2) low soil fertility in the experiment station, and 3) farmers' hesitancy in acquiring more knowledge and/ or practicing skills acquired on SRI. Another possible explanation is that the organic matter needs a longer time than one cropping season to decompose before it can contribute optimally to the fertility of the soil.

SRI has potential under Ilocos Norte condition with some modification. The small landholdings of the Ilocano farmers are appropriate for SRI. Although good water management is a problem, cultivating small farm size are more capable of intensive management as required in the SRI. Farmers in Ilocos Norte are already applying organic fertilizers for improving soil quality.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463x

Volume

32

Issue

2

Page

99-107

Document Type

Article

Frequency

tri-quarterly

Physical Description

tables

Language

English

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