Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Higher rice productivity and lower paddy nitrogen loss with optimized irrigation and fertilization practices in a rice-upland system

Weike Tao, Jiaqi Li, Weiwei Li, Chongxi Wen, Shen Gao, Yuhui Wang, Dun Liu, Lei Xu, Yu Jiang, Zhenghui Liu, Yanfeng Ding, Ganghua Li

Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment · 2024

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Summary

This 2024 field study evaluated combined irrigation and nitrogen fertilisation strategies in a rice-upland crop rotation system to improve rice productivity whilst reducing nitrogen losses to the environment. The authors present evidence that optimised management of both water and nitrogen inputs can simultaneously enhance grain yield and lower environmental nitrogen fluxes. The findings suggest scope for more efficient nutrient and water use in monsoon-influenced rice systems through integrated agronomic optimisation.

UK applicability

Direct applicability to UK rice production is limited, as commercial rice cultivation in the UK is marginal and climatic conditions differ substantially from the study region. However, the methodological approach to optimising nitrogen retention and water management whilst maintaining productivity may inform UK cereal and arable systems, particularly under scenarios of changing water availability.

Key measures

Rice grain yield; paddy nitrogen loss (likely encompassing leaching, runoff, and/or denitrification); nitrogen fertiliser application rates; irrigation scheduling and water management

Outcomes reported

The study measured rice productivity (yield) and nitrogen loss pathways (as suggested by leaching, denitrification, or runoff) under varied irrigation and fertiliser management regimes in a rice-upland cropping system. Outcomes included grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and environmental nitrogen fluxes.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil fertility & nutrient management
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
China
System type
Mixed farming
DOI
10.1016/j.agee.2024.109176
Catalogue ID
SNmohku4fp-fttoai

Topic tags

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