Rice growth on volcanic mudflow: a greenhouse study
1991
Mazaredo, A.M. | Coronel, V.P. | Vergara, B.S. (International Rice Research Inst., Los Banos, Laguna (Philippines))
The eruption of Mount Pinatubo [Zambales, Philippines] has deposited tons of volcanic debris on the flanks of the mountain. The monsoon rains have brought down these deposits as mudflow or lahar which devastated thousands of hectares of agricultural lands. Since rice is a major crop affected by this lahar, rice growth on this medium has yet to be established. The lahar in the depressed area in Bacolor, Pampanga is acidic with a pH of 4.3. Acidity may be a concern in lahar besides low soil fertility. A greenhouse study at IRRI was initiated to assess rice seedling establishment and growth in lahar, a sandy soil, in contrast to that in Maahas soil, a clay loam. Seedling vigor and establishment of 40 rice cultivars tested were generally better in Maahas than in lahar. However, Deepak and IR8192, cultivars supposedly adapted to acid soils, had vigorous growth. Compared with Maahas, growth of 4 rice cultivars in lahar was lower. Plant height was decreased by 14 percent and tiller number, by 18 percent at 7 wks after transplanting. This decline in growth in lahar can be due to the less desirable physical and chemical characteristics of lahar. Nevertheless, this study showed rice can grow in lahar but may require an extensive new system of nutrient and cultural management to sustain its productivity
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