Effect of the Applied Fertilization Method under Full Straw Return on the Growth of Mechanically Transplanted Rice.

Jichao Tang,Bilin Lu,Ruoyu Zhang,Jun Zhang,Hechao Li,Shaoqiang Chen

doi:10.3390/plants9030399

Abstract

This study aimed to improve nitrogen utilization and alleviate the inhibition of straw decomposition during early tillering and the growth of paddy after straw return. Specifically, three different nitrogen fertilizer (base fertilizer) application methods were tested under full straw return: applying the compound fertilizer once (J1), applying the compound fertilizer twice (J3) and applying the ammonium carbonate fertilizer plus compound fertilizer (J2). Full straw return without fertilizer (CK1) and no straw return without fertilizer (CK2) were used as the controls. The results showed that treatment with ammonium carbonate fertilizer combined with compound fertilizer (J2) significantly enhanced straw decomposition, light interception and dry matter accumulation at an early stage of tillering, but reduced tiller occurrence at a late tillering stage. Grain yield was affected due to reduced dry matter accumulation, nitrogen use efficiency and number of effective panicles. There were no significant differences in rice growth, nitrogen use efficiency and grain yield between the one-time or two-time compound fertilizer application methods. In contrast, treatment with ammonium carbonate fertilizer combined with compound fertilizer (J2) under full straw return effectively improved straw decomposition and accelerated the return of green and tillering. In addition, the proportion of ammonium carbonate fertilizer affected the nutrient utilization efficiency and yield at later stages.

Highlights

As natural supplements containing valuable nutrients and organic carbon (C), crop straw is often incorporated into soils in sustainable agriculture [1]
We investigated the effects of different types of base fertilizers on straw degradation and rice growth, aiming to alleviate the inhibition of straw decomposition on early tillering and growth of paddy, and to improve nitrogen utilization after straw return
The period of fast decomposition occurred before day 20; the decay rate tended to be gradual after day 65 post-transplantation

Summary

Introduction

As natural supplements containing valuable nutrients and organic carbon (C), crop straw is often incorporated into soils in sustainable agriculture [1]. The incorporation of crop residues, such as straw, can have positive effects on agriculture, including improved nutrient availability and water retention, better soil structures and a less risk of erosion [2]. Straw incorporation can decrease the amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed [3]. Straw return can reduce soil degradation, maintain soil fertility and promote crop production in intensive agricultural systems [4,5,6]. Straw return can bring about a series of agricultural problems. Straw can immobilize nutrients from soil and fertilizers, which inhibit the early growth of rice [2,3]. Due to the high C/N content in straw [8], much of the Plants 2020, 9, 399; doi:10.3390/plants9030399 www.mdpi.com/journal/plants

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Conclusion