Evaluation of Aratibiotech Organomineral Fertilizer Effect on Lowland Rice Production

A Randomized Complete Block Design experiment with three replicates was carried out at the lowland experimental site of the National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi in the 2011 and 2012 wet seasons. National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi is located at Lat. 09o 45’N; Long. 06o 7’E Organomineral fertilizer was applied at the rate of 2, 3, and 4t/ha while no fertilizer application, as well as application of recommended inorganic fertilizer for lowland rice, were included among the treatments as checks. The improved rice variety used was FARO 44 in 2011 but changed to FARO 52 in 2012. Data/observation taken included: plant height, plant aspect, days to 50% flowering, grain yield and cost-benefit. Data were analyzed with CropStat Software developed by International Rice Research Institute, Philippines. The results indicated that the application of organomineral fertilizer enhances rice growth performance and yield. The cost-benefit parameter however showed that, if organomineral fertilizer is to serve as an alternative to the use of inorganic fertilizer in lowland rice production, then its application can be at 2t/ha but the paddy should be sold as seeds that have higher returns on investment than as grains in order to break- even.