Effect of P-Dipping on Growth of NERICA 4 Rice in Different Soil Types at Initial Growth Stages

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) deficiency resulting from P fixation is a major constraint limiting sustainable rice cultivation in sub-Saharan Africa. Soil texture also affects P availability and use efficiency. In a factorial experiment, we evaluated the combined effect of soil texture (sand, clay loam, and clay) and P treatments P-dipping (Pdip) and two other broadcasted P fertilizer levels (Brod1 and Brod2) on the growth of NERICA 4 rice in the initial growth stages. Across all soil textures and P treatments, total plant biomass ranged from 1.06 to 4.63 g pot−1. The Pdip treatment significantly increased shoot and root biomass relative to control from 1.27 to 1.98 and 0.23 to 0.38 g pot−1, respectively. Mean photosynthetic rate values under Pdip (20.1 μmol m−2 s−1), Brod2 (19.5 μmol m−2 s−1), and Brod1 (19.3 μmol m−2 s−1) treatments showed significant 42%, 37%, and 36% increases over control, regardless of soil texture. In a striking contrast, P-dipping significantly promoted growth of root length under clay soil, but without a commensurate increase in shoot P uptake. Contrary to our hypothesis, the interactive effect of soil texture and P-dipping influenced NERICA 4 shoot and root physiological and morphological characteristics under clay loam soil texture as opposed to clay.