Integrating Climatic Factors and Agronomic Management for Optimal Hybrid Rice Yield and Quality

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rice is a staple food crop, and optimizing its yield and quality is crucial for food security. This study investigated the influence of weather variables and nitrogen (N) management practices on hybrid rice yield and processing quality in Eastern India. Two field experiments were conducted wxith three planting dates (15 June, 15 July, and 15 August) and four N management practices: fixed-time N management (FTCF) with recommended chemical fertilizer (CF), real-time N management (RT) based on SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) value of rice leaf with only CF, integration of CF and organic fertilizer (OF) with RT management (RTCF+OF), and no fertilization as control during the wet seasons of 2013 and 2014. The statistical relationship between weather and crop yield variables was established to determine the impact of optimum weather variables at critical growth stages of hybrid rice. Results showed that the planting date of 15 July recorded significantly higher grain yield and improved post-harvest processing qualities compared to the other planting dates. Additionally, SPAD-based N management was comparable to fixed-time N management for grain yield production. During the pre- and post-anthesis period, minimum temperature (Tmin) had a significant negative effect, and solar radiation (SRAD) had a significant positive impact on processed yield and grain quality. Increasing the maximum temperature (Tmax) during the post-anthesis period negatively affected the yield and quality significantly. This study suggests that real-time N management through a SPAD meter can effectively reduce nitrogen loss and increase grain quality without affecting yield.