The system of rice intersification (SRI) as a climate change adaptation strategy: a case study of Mkindo area in Morogoro, Tanzania
Loading...
Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is one way in which farmers practicing irrigation
in rice fanning can cope with the effects of climate change by
reducing water used for
paddy rice production while increasing the yields. System of rice intensification,
developed in Madagascar, is a system approach to increase rice productivity through
proper management of fewer inputs such as irrigation water, transplanting protocol, and
seeds. Field experiments using SRI techniques were conducted in Mkindo irrigation
scheme in Mvomero District during the wet season (March- July 2011) and dry season
(September 2011- January 2012). One rice variety TXD 306 (SARO) was planted on plots
in a randomized complete block design with five treatments based on SRI technique and
conventional method where effects plant spacing (in cm) of 20x20 for T1 and T2, 25x25
for T3, 30x30 for T4, and 40x40 for T5 were evaluated. Parameters such as plant height,
root depth, tillerig, biomass and grain yields, irrigation water use, and wetting and drying
interval were evaluated and the results were statistically analyzed using GenStat software.
Results revealed that highest grain yield was achieved in T3 and T4. The mean grain yield
for two seasons for T3 and T4 were 4.76 tons/ha and 4.68 tons/ha, respectively. The grain
yield obtained from SRI on Farmer Field School (FFS) trials during the wet season were
6.30 t/ha for T3, 4.93 t/ha for T4, and 3.37 tons/ha for T5. The percentage yield increase
of the treatments with respect to the reference T1 from the mean of two seasons obtained
was 24.28% in T3 and 22.19% in T4. With respect to water productivity, SRI method
registered the highest water productivity of 0.47kg/m3 and 0.46 kg/m3 for T4 and T3
respectively. Statistically at p<0.05, water productivity at T1 was significantly different
from all other treatments T2, T3, T4 and T5. Under SRI practice, 62.51%, 63.64%,
64.67%, and 64.07% water saving were noticed for T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively
compared to TI. SRI practice for planting space 25x25 and 30x30 cm, wetting and dryinginterval of three days, and younger seedling (<14days) are recommended as good
combination for SRI practice in Mkindo area.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Climate change, Rice production, Rice farming