Abstract
The minus-one element technique or test (MOET) in assessing nutrient deficiency in lowland rice was used in the study. Based on the result of this test, the farmer's actual fertilizer management practice was compared with the research-based participative fertilizer management recommendation. Two farmers' fields were used as the test sites during the 2001-2002 dry and wet seasons. Nitrogen was deficient in both sites while phosphorus was only deficient in Pototan site based on the results of the MOET. In the dry season, the participative fertilizer management recommendation increased yield by 0.4 t/ha in Barotac Nuevo and by 1.6 t/ha in Pototan site over the farmer's actual fertilizer management practice with minimal or without additional fertilizer cost to the farmers. In the wet season, the participative fertilizer management was comparable to the farmer's practice in Barotac Nuevo but was inferior in Pototan site. However, the farmer in Barotac Nuevo saved P670.00/ha with the participative fertilizer management. The minus-one element test of determining nutrient-deficiency is a practical tool that can be used by Filipino rice farmers and extension workers in the absence of soil analysis. This technology, together with the research-based fertilizer management recommendation, must be immediately disseminated to the rice farmers, particularly during the dry season where the greatest opportunity exists to increase rice yields.

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