Use of the Basin Technique for Efficient Rainwater Management on Mid-Slope Rice Growth

Abstract

A short research study on rainfed rice production was conducted on the experimental perimeter located a short distance from the University of San Pedro. The objective of the study was to use the basin technique for effective rainwater management in mid-slope rice cultivation. To this end, an experiment was conducted using a Fisher block design with seven treatments and four replicates in order to control these different parameters. The plots were arranged perpendicular to the slope and delimited by ridge structures to obtain basins in which the rice was sown. The basin technique had a positive effect on rice growth compared to the control without basins, with a significant difference (P˂ 0.0001) between treatments in terms of yield and growth. This technique reduced soil erosion, unlike the control, where the roots were exposed and the plants were uprooted. It appears to be a means of facilitating cultivation on the slopes of the hills that dominate the south-west of Côte d'Ivoire.