[Water use efficiency and rice yield under different water managements]

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Agronomy
• Soil Science

Context:

• Investigates rice cultivation under varying soil conditions (waterlogged vs. upland) and mulching treatments (plastic film, semi-decomposed wheat straw, none).
• Focuses on water use and crop performance in Nanjing Agricultural University's experimental fields.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the impact of different soil management practices on rice growth, water consumption, and water use efficiency.
• To compare the economic yield of rice under upland mulched conditions versus waterlogged conditions.

Summary:

• Upland rice cultivation required 349–473 mm of water, significantly less than waterlogged conditions (732.5 mm).
• Water productive efficiencies for grain and biomass were higher in upland cultivation (0.899–1.273 g/kg and 1.655–2.321 g/kg, respectively) compared to waterlogged (0.766 g/kg and 1.459 g/kg).
• Rice grown on upland soil with semi-decomposed straw mulch achieved over 90% of the economic yield obtained in waterlogged soil.

Impact:

• Highlights the potential of upland cultivation with straw mulching as a water-saving strategy in rice production.
• Provides data supporting the optimization of agricultural practices for improved water use efficiency and sustained crop yields.
• Offers insights for sustainable agriculture in regions facing water scarcity.