Abstract
High weed infestation and low nitrogen (N) recovery are among the major causes of lower yield in dry-seeded rice (DSR) compared with transplanted rice. The effects of N rate and planting density dynamics on rice productivity and N-use efficiency (NUE) have been extensively studied in transplanted rice. However, information on the combined impact of N rates, weed regimes, and crop plant densities on rice productivity and NUE is very limited in DSR systems. Attaining synchrony between crop demand and N supply is a key in optimizing the tradeoffs amongst environmental pollution, kernel yield, and profit. Experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 to assess the impact of weed regimes (partial weedy and weed-free), N rates (0, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha−1), and rice seeding rates (50 and 100 kg ha−1) on crop productivity, N efficiency indices, and synchronization between crop demand and N supply. The seeding rate of 50 kg ha−1 was better when the sunlight was not a limiting factor. The application of 150 kg N ha−1 produced higher yield-contributing attributes and grain yield (5.2–6.6 t ha−1) of rice than 100 (4.7–5.6 t ha−1) and 200 kg N ha−1 (4.9–6.5 t ha−1). The highest physiological efficiency (40–53 kg grain kg−1 N uptake by plants) was achieved at 150 kg N ha−1. Partial factor productivity was higher in the plots applied with 150 kg N ha−1 than with 200 kg N ha−1. The best degree of synchrony between crop N demand and supply was achieved at 150 kg N ha−1. The results of this study suggest that for harvesting better grain yield, DSR crop should be planted using a seed rate of 50 kg ha−1 in combination with 150 kg N ha−1.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the IRRI Climate Unit for providing the climate data for this study. We are also thankful to Dr. Bill Hardy for providing useful comments on the manuscript.
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Awan, T.H., Sta. Cruz, P.C., Farooq, M. et al. Influence of Seeding Rate, Nitrogen Rate and Weed Regimes on Productivity and Nitrogen Efficiency of Dry Direct-Seeded Rice. Int. J. Plant Prod. 16, 163–180 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42106-021-00171-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42106-021-00171-3