Effect of water depth on eight varieties of rice in Obukiyo, Oju lga of Benue state, Nigeria

Water depth has been described as one of the most important environmental factors determining the growth and yield of rice. Different rice varieties respond differently to various water levels. Three (3) naturally existing water levels (5cm, 10cm and 15cm) at Obukyo Oju Local Government Area of Benue State were studied to evaluate their impact on eight varieties of rice (FARO 15, 37, 44, 52, 57, 60, 61 and 62). The data collected showed significant different (P< 0. 05) in plant height, blade area, panicle length and dry seed weight, while the number of leaves and tillers were not significantly affected by the various water levels. Generally, the rice performed better in high water levels (15cm) than the medium (10cm) and low water depth (5cm). FARO 57 (9.86t/ha), FARO 61(9.86t/ha), FARO15 (8.78t/ha) and FARO 52 (8.28t/ha) were significantly higher while FARO 44 (5.24t/ha) the dwarf variety and FARO 37 (5 54t/ha) the lodging and low drought resistance variety yielded very poor in high and medium water levels but encouragingly high in low water depth. FARO 57 (5.75t/ha) and FARO 60 (5.65t/ha) were the lowest in low water levels. FARO 15, 52, 57, 60, 61 and 62 were recommended for high water levels while FARO 15, 52, 57, 60, 61 and 62 were recommended for medium water levels. FARO15, 37, 44, 52, 61 and 62 are recommended for low water level. FARO 15, 52, 61 and 62 had encouraging yield in all water levels and are recommended as such.