Comparison of different fertilizer management practices on rice growth and yield in the Ashanti region of Ghana

Abstract: Nutrient management is critical in increasing and sustaining rice yield. A field experiment was conducted to examine the effects of inorganic fertilizer (IF), poultry manure (PM) and their combinations on rice yield and possible residual effects. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used and the trial was conducted on a Gleysol. In 2011 SPAD values for IF and PM / IF combinations (except 2.0 t/ha PM + 22.5-15-15 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ha) were significantly higher in the sixth week onwards than PM. Number of panicles/plant and number of panicles m2 were significantly higher fo