Ocan, Benzamin2026-10-162026-10-162026Ocan, B. (2026). Effectiveness of tied ridges on the growth and yield perfoemance of upland rice in Soroti and Dokolo districts. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.https://bdears.busitema.ac.ug/handle/123456789/11037Undergraduate research reportRice farming plays a growing role in Uganda's food security and rural livelihoods, yet upland rice yields under rain-fed conditions remain limited by unpredictable rainfall and moisture stress. This study assessed how effectively tied ridges conserve water and enhance the growth and yield of upland rice in Soroti and Dokolo districts. A Randomized Complete Block Design with four replicates was used to compare four treatments: tied ridges at 10–15 cm (T1), 20–25 cm (T2), and 30–35 cm (T3), against conventional flat planting (T4). NERICA 4 rice was cultivated under consistent management practices, and growth indicators leaf area index, leaf count, plant height, and tiller number were recorded together with yield components and total grain yield. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in R-Studio, with mean separation via LSD at the 5% significance level. Results showed that tied ridging significantly influenced all measured growth parameters (P<0.001). The 10–15 cm treatment consistently performed best, producing the highest leaf area index (2.94), leaf number (19.91leaves/plant), plant height (77.05 cm), and tiller count (8.88 tillers/plant). This same treatment also led in yield outcomes, achieving the greatest grain yield (4.27 t/ha), compared to 3.85 t/ha (T2), 3.05 t/ha (T3), and 2.92 t/ha (T4) representing about a 46.5% yield increase over flat planting. It likewise produced the longest panicles (24.45 cm), highest panicle number (5.25), greatest straw yield (5.57 t/ha), and heaviest thousand-grain weight (28.45 g). These findings indicate that moderate tied ridging, particularly at 10–15 cm, is an effective water- and soil-conservation strategy for rain-fed upland rice in the study area, warranting promotion through extension services. Further research across seasons, soils, and rainfall conditions, along with economic analysis, is recommended.enOther