Assessment of the tolerance of various indigenous rice varieties on West Sumatra peatlands

Rice cultivation on peatlands presents significant challenges due to extreme soil conditions, such as high acidity, high water content, and variable nutrient availability. These conditions can adversely affect plant growth and productivity, making the selection of suitable rice varieties critical for successful cultivation. This study evaluates local rice varieties for cultivation in the peatlands of Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra, by analyzing soil characteristics and genotype performance. Soil samples from Sunua Nan Sabaris, Pungguang Kasik, and Parak Pisang were assessed for water content, pH, ash content, organic carbon, and nutrient levels. Twenty rice genotypes were tested for traits including plant height, tiller number, grain yield, 1000-grain weight, and panicle length. Significant variability was observed among genotypes, with Anak Daro Kuriak and Cantik Manis showing high tiller production, while Bujang Merantau achieved notably higher grain yields. A strong correlation between tiller number and yield per plot was identified, suggesting that increased tiller production could enhance overall yield. Additionally, Batang Piaman and Cisokan demonstrated good tolerance to peatland conditions. These findings provide insights for breeding and agricultural strategies aimed at improving rice productivity in peatland environments.