Effects of Different Nutrient Management Regimes on Rice Yield and Nitrogen Uptake and Use Efficiency

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Agronomy
• Soil Science

Background:

• Nutrient management is crucial for optimizing rice yield and nitrogen use efficiency.
• Understanding the impact of different fertilization strategies on rice growth and soil properties is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of various nutrient management regimes on rice yield and nitrogen uptake.
• To identify optimal fertilization strategies for improving rice production and nitrogen use efficiency.

Main Methods:

• A three-year field experiment was conducted on the rice variety Changliangyou Fuxiangzhan.
• Six treatments were evaluated: no nitrogen (CK), conventional fertilization (FP), slow-release urea applications (CRU1, CRU2), bio-organic manure substitution (FPM), and conventional fertilization with straw return (FPS).

Main Results:

• The CRU2 treatment yielded the highest grain yield (9.6% above FP, 36.4% above CK) and increased effective panicle numbers.
• CRU2 significantly enhanced nitrogen uptake, leading to higher grain and straw N accumulation and superior nitrogen use efficiencies.
• Soil total nitrogen increased with FPS and FPM, inorganic nitrogen peaked with CRU1 and CRU2, and microbial biomass nitrogen was highest under FPM, CRU2, and FPS.

Conclusions:

• The CRU2 treatment effectively synchronized nitrogen supply with crop demand, resulting in the highest rice yield and nitrogen uptake.
• This study highlights the potential of advanced slow-release urea application strategies for improving rice cultivation.
• While CRU2 demonstrated significant benefits, its negative nitrogen balance warrants further consideration for long-term soil sustainability.