Abstract

Okoriere A. Prosper

The study examines the effects of rice cultivation on soils of Ndokwa East grassland, with the aim of determining the effects of rice cultivation on physical and chemical properties of soils. Soil samples were collected from two experimental sites namely cultivated and uncultivated plots in the study area. Eighteen (18) plots were marked at 60m × 60m and subdivided into quadrants of 1m × 1m for data collection, soil samples were collected with most probable instruments and analyzed for physical and chemical properties in the soil. The result from the analysis revealed that rice cultivation has effects on soils of Ndokwa East grassland. The study also revealed that the combination of slash and burn, tillage and soil amendments techniques has enhanced soil nutrient reserve. The result from the t-test analysis showed t value of 7.642, indicating significant effects of rice cultivation on soils of Ndokwa East grassland. The study further recommended the application of organic/inorganic manure and liming to breast up soil nutrient and reduces soil acidity. Moreover, the incorporation of rice straw into the soil should be encouraged to enhance soil fertility in Ndokwa East grassland soils.