Effects of Different Water Managements on Grain Yield and Grain Quality in Ratoon Rice Cultivation

Abstract

Background: Ratoon rice production is one of the rice cultivation technologies with the potential to reduce labor and increase yield rate under a shorter cultivation time. However, few studies have focused on the effects of different water management on grain yield and quality. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of different water management on grain yield and quality in ratoon rice. Methods: Three water management treatments were followed- Control with the water level 5 cm aboveground, underground water treatment (UWT) with the water level 12 cm below the soil surface, and deep water treatment (DWT) with the water level 20 cm aboveground. The grain yield, yield components, amylose and protein content, and grain characteristics for grain quality were measured. Results: During the ratoon season, UWT had the highest grain yield of the three treatments. DWT had the highest ratoon tiller number but had a lower grain yield due to the increase in the number of ratoon tillers. The 1000-grain weight decreased markedly for DWT. With respect to grain quality, ratoon rice has a higher amylose content and a lower protein content than the main crop rice. UWT had the lowest protein content in the ratoon period and a higher grain yield. Conclusion: Yield performance in UWT is considered optimal for ratoon rice cultivation. However, grain quality under different water management did not show remarkable results. Therefore, the practice of fertilization during cultivation is recommended to improve grain quality.