In West Africa scientists have shown that nitrogen applied in solution is the best fertilizer for rice grown in mangrove swamps. Granular fertilisers tend to get washed away by the twice dally flooding.

Scientists at the West African Rice Development Association looked for a simple way to apply liquid fertilizer. They modified the knapsack sprayer into a deep placement nitrogen injector removed the nozzle, straightened the brass lance, and added a sharpened pipe to the end.

They also drilled holes in the pipe about 1.5mm from the tip. Urea, dissolved in water, forms a nor-corrosive solution. Trained operators can inject 4-5ml of the solution into the soil 20-25cm deep. A single injection is as effective as several broadcast applications, or the use of other slow release forms of nitrogen fertiliser. Liquid nitrogen is available to the rice plant at a higher level, over a longer period of time, and produces greater yields. 40 to 60kg of nitrogen per hectare can increase yields by 30 to 50%.

For more details, contact:

WARDA
01 BP2551
Bouake
COTE D'IVOIRE