Yield of four varieties of rice (Oryza Sativa L.) in two soil types and contrasting agro ~ecological zones.

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate soil properties and the yield performance of rice in two agro-ecological zones of Morobe province, Papua New Guinea . Study show that with the current practice of low input and subsistence farming of the province, soil nutrients was not a major impediment for rice cultivation . However, yield had been affected by the moisture supply as a result of different mechanical and physical properties of soils in these two agro-ecological zones. The average grain yield of 2 .8- 4. 7 t/ha suggests that both regions have the potential to grow rice and is capable to meet the current demand of the province.