Management of rice production systems to increase productivity

Yield T/Ha
9.0
8.5
8.0
7.5
7.0
6.5
6.0
5.5
Figure 13. Average Yield Over Three Varieties at Different Plant Spacing
Densities, Sapu, The Gambia, 2002
103
Shorter‐duration varieties are normally less productive due to the
limited time spent translocating nutrient from the soil for grain production.
However, SRI management practices reduce water demand, and the yield
potential of longer‐duration varieties is fully utilized. A significant yield
increase of 3 t/ha (p‐value = 0.0001) was observed from the first year of
production through to the third. Lesser time was spent on land preparation
during subsequent years after the first year of testing. There appeared to be
an improvement in soil structure, because land preparation was much easier
in subsequent years.
20x20 30x30 40x40
Plant Spacing