Integrating Nitrogen, Water, and Other Management Practices to Improve Grain and Ratoon Forage Yields in Perennial...

Area of Science:

• Agronomy
• Plant Science
• Sustainable Agriculture

Background:

• Perennial rice systems are gaining attention for reduced costs and increased efficiency.
• The
• mid-season rice-ratoon forage
• system is a novel approach requiring further research.
• Limited data exists on perennial rice regenerative traits and yield under varied management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of planting density, nitrogen rates, stubble heights, and water management on perennial rice.
• To evaluate grain and ratoon forage yields, regenerative characteristics, and forage nutritional content.
• To identify optimal management strategies for maximizing perennial rice productivity.

Main Methods:

• Conducted four experiments with perennial rice in Sichuan Province, China (2017-2022).
• Varied planting densities, nitrogen (N) rates, stubble heights, and water management practices.
• Analyzed grain yield, ratoon forage yield, regrowth rate, tiller numbers, and forage nutrient content.

Main Results:

• Grain and ratoon forage yields were significantly influenced by year, planting density, and N rate.
• Yields decreased in later years, linked to reduced regrowth rates.
• Yields increased with higher N rates and planting densities; ratoon forage was nutrient-rich, with content rising with N.
• Optimal stubble height and water management (alternating dry/wet) promoted regrowth.

Conclusions:

• Integrating specific management practices—150 kg ha^-1 N, 18.0 hills/m², 10-20 cm stubble, and alternating dry/wet winter irrigation—enhances perennial rice grain and forage yields.
• Regenerative characteristics and nutrient content are significantly influenced by environmental and management factors.
• Perennial rice systems offer a viable approach for dual-purpose agricultural production.