Nutri-Rice XL Efficacy in Rice

Increasing Quality and Yield on Rice Crop

Dates: June – August 2020
Objective: To measure the effect that Nutri-Rice XL has on Rice Yield.
Location: Black Bush Polder, Corentyne Berbice, Guyana.
Variety: GRDB 10

Application method & rate: Foliar Spray using SR420 Mist Blower. First Nutri-Rice XL application was done at 25 days after sowing at 500mls per Hectare. Second Nutri-Rice XL application was done at 60 days after sowing at 500mls per Hectare. The application was done as tank mix with insecticide to avoid additional cost of labor for application. Standard fertilization used by farmers include 55lbs TSP + 55lbs Urea mixed and applied at 22 days after sowing. Application of 110lbs urea at 35 days after sowing. Application of 55lbs NPK 6-25-25 at 50 days after sowing.
Collaborators: Beekam Sukhdeo & Lowmas Parag (Farmers), Alvin Parag (Excel Ag Rep)

Field Evaluation Summary

The purpose of this evaluation was to measure the benefits of using Nutri-Rice XL as supplemental nutrition on Rice Crop. Traditionally, farmers have been using granular Urea, TSP and blended fertilizers such as 15.15.15 or 6.25.25. Soil tests conducted by stakeholders, throughout major rice growing regions in Guyana, reveals that certain elements such as Boron, Zinc, Potassium, Calcium etc. are deficient or unavailable to the crop when needed. As such Foliar supplemental feeding of the crop is essential to ensure productivity is optimized. Nutri-Rice XL has NPK of 15-22-20 plus other beneficial elements to optimize productivity in Rice.

Treatment Summary

The Trial was done using one 15 acre plot for control and another 15 acre plot for Nutri-Rice treatment. Both plots were treated with all standard herbicide, insecticide and fertilizer program used by the farmers.

The only difference is that Nutri-Rice XL was applied as a supplemental fertiliser as detailed above.

Results

The yield results were obtained when each plot was harvested separately using Laverda Harvester. The grains were loaded into trucks and transported to Rice mill in bulk batches. It should be noted that all harvested grains from the control plot were delivered in 4 batches while grains from Nutri-Rice XL treated plot were delivered in 5 batches. Total grain weight, moisture, green grains and value of grains for each batch were recorded from grade slips issued to farmer by mill.

Main Observations

• Reduction in grain moisture content and green grains for plot treated with Nutri-Rice XL. This is an indication that product promoted uniform ripening and maturity.
• Increased yield of Nutri-Rice XL plot resulting in increased Profitability. Additional cost for Nutri-Rice treated plot was US$90.00 resulting in a US$1,409.17 increase in profit. This equates to US$234.86 per Ha increased profit. Exchange rate GYD to USD = 215.50

Conclusion

Nutri-Rice XL positively impacted the yield and productivity of rice crop. It is recommended that this product be used as supplemental nutrition on farms where increased yield and profitability is important to the farmer.