Comparative analysis of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L. var. PSB Rc18) performance across different farming systems

Abstract

Organic farming is gaining recognition as a viable alternative to conventional methods, promising soil health preservation and sustained crop productivity with economic benefits. This study evaluated the physiological, growth, and yield responses of the PSB Rc18 rice variety and appraised its economic feasibility under different production systems. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications and three treatments: T1-best bet organic production system, T2-farmers’ organic production system in Leyte, and T3-farmers’ conventional production system in Leyte. The crop growth rate (CGR) of PSB Rc18 remained consistent across the different systems. However, the Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) peaked significantly between 42-56 days after transplanting (DAT) in the T2. Additionally, the Leaf Area Index (LAI) in T1 was comparable to that of T3. Rice grown under T1 reached heading and maturation earlier than T3. Although T3 produced the highest fresh straw, most productive tillers, and heaviest total biomass, the grain yield was similar across all production systems. Economically, T2 outperformed with a superior benefit-cost ratio of $0.55 and $0.94 per USD invested, considering both regular and premium prices for organic palay. These findings highlight organic farming practices' economic and agronomic viability, suggesting that promoting organic farming can be a beneficial alternative to conventional methods in Leyte. This study underscores the potential for integrating organic practices to enhance sustainability and economic outcomes in rice production, making both T1 and T2 significant options for farmers in Eastern Visayas.

Keywords

• Organic production systems
• physiological response
• profitability analysis

References

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