Aerobic Rice Cultivation Research Articles

Developing efficient weed management practices for higher productivity and profitability in aerobic rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation

A field experiment was conducted on weed management in aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation during dry season in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Efficacy of different weed management tools was compared for their weed suppression ability in the cultivation of an improved rice variety, Sahbhagi Dhan at aerobic soil situations. The study showed highest (around 60%) weed control efficiency (WCE) and lowest (around 15%) weed index (WI) with intensive weed management (IWM), which was, however, found an uneconomical option on account of higher cost of weed management. The most economically viable weed management tool was the combined practice of the application of pre-emergence weedicide, Butachlor @ 2.5 l/ha after three days of sowing followed by manual weeding at 4th week stage of crop growth accounting around 35% WCE and 22.12% WI. Grain yield was recorded significantly higher (3.70 - 3.89 t/ha) with IWM followed by 3.61 - 3.62 t/ha with twice manual weeding. However, combined practice of pre-emergence weedicide application followed by manual weeding, although produced comparatively less grain yield of 3.47 - 3.50 t/ha, resulted in higher net return of Rupees 15250.0 and B:C ratio of 1.48 for the lowest cost of weed management (Rupees 6075.0). Thus, the study could suggest the application of pre-emergence weedicide supplemented with one manual weeding as the efficient weed management tool that could effectively control weed population inaerobic rice cultivation.

Effect of silicon and phosphorus fertilization on growth, productivity and profitability of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa)

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2015 and 2016 to study the effect of silicon and phosphorus levels on yield, yield attributes and economics of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.). Four levels each of phosphorus (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P2O5/ha) and silicon (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg Si/ha) were tested in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) and replicated three times. Growth and yield attributes were significantly higher when phosphorus and silicon were included in the nutrient management of aerobic rice cultivation. Growth, yield, yield attributes and economics were significantly affected by the combined application of silicon and phosphorus. The highest aerobic rice grain yield (5.66 and 5.62 t/ha), net returns (Rupees 92.4×103 /ha and 90.1×103 /ha) and yield attributes were recorded with 90 kg P2O5 /ha during both the years of experimentation. However, it was at par with 60 kg P2O5 /ha during both the years of experimentation. In case of silicon application, highest grain yield (5.53 and 5.65 t/ha), net returns (Rupees 90.7×103 /ha and 92.4×103 /ha) and yield attributes were recorded with 120 kg Si/ha, however, it was at par with 80 kg Si/ha during both the years of experimentation. Therefore, the application of phosphorus and silicon should be adopted for achieving higher productivity and profitability of aerobic rice.

Evaluation of elite rice genotypes for physiological and yield attributes under aerobic and irrigated conditions in tarai areas of western Himalayan region

All the irrigated rice systems are currently facing a worldwide challenge for producing higher yield with lower water availability. Aerobic rice is considered to be promising for rice production under water constrained environments where it can be grown under non-flooded and unsaturated soil. All practices for aerobic rice cultivation must start by first identifying promising rice varieties that are expected to produce higher grain yield under such conditions. Therefore, we conducted a field experiment with an experimental design of split-plot in the Tarai region of the Western Himalayas, India, in two irrigation regimes i.e., of continuous flooding and of aerobic condition, using four high-yielding rice genotypes: DRRH-2, PA6444, KRH-2 and Jaya. A grain yield of 743 to 910 g/m2 was obtained on a typical freely draining soil i.e., under aerobic conditions. Further, DRRH-2 showed enhanced panicle number, spikelet number, filled grain number under aerobic conditions, resulting in the higher grain yield of 910 g m/m2. We conclude from our studies that the higher productivity of rice depends upon the improved sink capacity (grain number x grain weight) of the genotype, and that this acts as a major factor limiting yield potential under aerobic and flooded conditions.

Weed flora of aerobic rice and their effect on growth, yield and nutrient uptake by rice Oryza sativa in the coastal region of Karaikal of Puducherry, India

A field experiment was conducted at farm lands of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal to know the weed floristic composition and their effect on growth, yield and nutrient uptake by aerobic rice (Oryza sativa). The results revealed that totally 29 species of weeds from 22 genera belonging to 17 families were noticed. Among them, four were grasses, six were sedges, and nineteen were broad leaved weeds. Of this 29 species, four were perennials, and the rest were annuals. During initial stages (30 DAS), sedges dominated (38.3%) whereas at later stages (60 DAS) broad leaved weeds dominated the aerobic rice fields (42.5%). Grasses were found to be comparatively less dominant at both the stages. Echinochloa colona Link. (28.1%) followed by E. cruss-galli (L.) Beauv. (6.1%) among the grasses; Cyperus difformis L. (19.8%) followed by C. iria L (9.9%) among the sedges and Ludwigia abyssinica (28.0%) among the broad leaved weeds, were the predominant weed species in aerobic rice cultivation. Weeds, when left unchecked, competed with rice for all resources like nutrients, space, light and soil moisture. The unweeded control recorded the maximum nutrient depletion by weeds (76.6, 6.4 and 106.8 Kg of N, P andK ha-1 ). Due to severe competition, weeds suppressed the growth of rice which resulted in lower growth and yield attributes leading to lower grain (333 kg ha-1 ) and straw yields (1903 kg ha-1 ).

Aerobic Rice Cultivation System: Eco-Friendly and Water Saving Technology under Changed Climate

Aerobic Rice Cultivation System: Eco-Friendly and Water Saving Technology under Changed Climate

Soil microbial dynamics and enzyme activities as influenced by organic and inorganic nutrient management in vertisols under aerobic rice cultivation

Soil microbial dynamics and enzyme activities as influenced by organic and inorganic nutrient management in vertisols under aerobic rice cultivation

Raising rice productivity and sustainability for smallholders of south Asia under changing climate

Climate change impacts on agriculture vary by region and predominately negativeon subtropics and tropics, especially where agriculture is currently marginal concerning high temperatureand moisture-deficit conditions. The mostvulnerable agricultural systems in semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regionsin the developing world, where high rainfall variability and recurrentdroughts and floods regularly disrupt food production, and poverty is pervasive, are profoundly influenced by these negative impacts. Adaptation to climate change requires both short-term and long-term strategies. In the short term, we must make use of the available technical knowhow to formulate and implement crop contingency plans to combat unusual weather conditions. In the long-term planning, however, strategic research on the development of flood, drought, and heat tolerant crop varieties, along with their conforming management is required. New Stress Tolerant Rice Varieties (STRVs) and their conforming management practices such as nursery management, establishment methods, adjusted cropping system, weed, irrigation and nutrient management can help farmers improve overall production, and better manage risks emanating from global warming. Enhancing the resilience to extreme climate events through conservation agricultural practices such as DSR, Zero tillage, un-puddled transplanting, aerobic rice cultivation help mitigating the adverse effect of climate by protecting soils and conserving water. AWD, a water-saving technology can help alleviate the global warming impact of paddy fields to one-third of the conventional water management practices. Supra-optimal temperature not only reduces the growth duration of the rice crop but also increase spikelet sterility, resulting in lower yields and lower-quality rice grain. Sowing time manipulation and selection of tolerant genotypes help mitigate the adverse effect of high temperature and rising CO2 level. Most of these technologies prove advantageous, but their usefulness and applicabilityare dependent on site and system characteristics. Besides technology, strengthening of local institutions and a suitable policy framework are required to adapt Indian agriculture to the current and future climate variability. Social protection measures aimed at enhancing the food security situation of marginal and smallholder households will improve their livelihood, being in a better position to innovate and adopt improved agricultural practices.

Effect of Drip Irrigation on Growth, Physiology, Yield and Water Use of Rice

<p>The field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of drip irrigation treatments such as three lateral distances (0.6 m, 0.8 m or 1.0 m lateral distance) on growth parameters physiological characters, yield and water use of rice under two discharge rates drippers (0.6 or 1.0 litre per hour emitters). Among the lateral distances, 0.8 m lateral distance adjudged as optimum spacing for its better performance in growth, physiological and yield attributes than rest of the lateral distances. Between two-discharge rates, 1.0 lph drippers out performed 0.6 lph drippers in grain yield. Interactively, laterals spaced at 0.8 m with 1.0 lph drippers exhibited better performance by way of growth parameters (such as plant height, tiller density, root biomass, total dry matter accumulation), physiological attributes (such as Y<sub>w</sub>, Chlorophyll content, Catalase activity and Malondialdehyde content), yield and its components (such as productive tillers, spikelet numbers, filled grain percentage, Harvest Index) along with water productivity. Drip irrigation confirms to increase in water productivity in the present study with water saving of 27.4% over the conventional aerobic rice cultivation. Enhanced physiological activities showed increased growth and yield in rice under 0.8 m lateral distance drip irrigation which is a viable tool for balanced source sink relation. Our results indicated that the lateral spacing of 0.8 m with 1.0 lph drippers is best for rice cultivation in enhancing the growth, physiology, grain yield and water productivity.</p>

Development of Microbial-Fortified Rice Straw Compost to Improve Plant Growth, Productivity, Soil Health, and Rice Blast Disease Management of Aerobic Rice

In aerobic rice cultivation systems, compost mulching and incorporation are important to rehabilitate the soil. Microbial-fortified compost is increasingly accepted as a safe approach in agro-waste management to recycling of crop residuals in agriculture soil and also to promote growth and suppress disease. This study aims to examine the stability and viability of the selected plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) in rice straw compost (RSC) over incubation period and its bio-efficacy in promoting rice (Oryza sativa) plant growth, productivity, soil health, and controlling of Pyricularia oryzae in aerobic cultivation conditions. Six selected PGPM: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (UPMP1), Corynebacterium agropyri (UPMP7), Enterobacter gergoviae (UPMP9), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (UPMS3), Trichoderma harzianum (UPMT1), and Trichoderma virens (UPMT2) were used as a consortium of microbial inoculants to develop the microbial-fortified rice straw compost (MRSC). The MRSC was incorporated into mineral soil used for aerobic rice cultivation and its bio-efficacy was evaluated at harvest. The viability of Trichoderma spp. found stabilized at 6.78–6.00 log cfu/g and declined for all the bacterial isolates. At harvest, soil amended with MRSC significantly increased in plant height, leaf area index, 1000 grain weight, and productivity. The MRSC amended plots had significant low in rice blast disease severity with area under disease progress curve (AUDCP) of 748.22 unit/square, as compared to control (1782.67 unit/square). The physicochemical and microbiological properties of soil amended with MRSC were improved at harvest. The application of MRSC has potential to improve plant growth, productivity, rice blast disease management, and soil health of rice under aerobic cultivation systems.

Aerobic rice mechanization: techniques for crop establishment

Rice being the staple food crops, hundreds of land races in it makes the diversity of rice crops. Aerobic rice production was introduced which requires much less water input to safeguard and sustain the rice production and conserve water due to decreasing water resources, climatic changes and competition from urban and industrial users. Mechanization system plays an important role for the success of aerobic rice cultivation. All farming activities for aerobic rice production are run on aerobic soil conditions. Row seeder mechanization system is developed to replace conventional seeding technique on the aerobic rice field. It is targeted for small and the large scale aerobic rice farmers. The aero - seeder machine is used for the small scale aerobic rice field, while the accord - seeder is used for the large scale aerobic rice field. The use of this mechanization machine can eliminate the tedious and inaccurate seeding operations reduce labour costs and increases work rate. The machine is easy to operate and it can increase crop establishment rate. It reduce missing hill, increasing planting and crop with high yield can be produce. This machine is designed for low costs maintenance and it is easy to dismantle and assemble during maintenance and it is safe to be used.

Influence of rice varieties, nitrogen management and planting methods on methane emission and water productivity

A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 2009 and 2010 at New Delhi, India to study the influence of varieties and integrated nitrogen management (INM) on methane (CH4) emission and water productivity under flooded transplanted (FT) and aerobic rice (AR) cultivation. The treatments included two rice (‘PB 1’ and ‘PB 1121’) varieties and eight INM practices including N control, recommended dose of N through urea, different combinations of urea with farmyard manure (FYM), green manure (GM), biofertilizer (BF) and vermicompost (VC). The results showed 91.6–92.5 % lower cumulative CH4 emission in AR compared to FT rice. In aerobic conditions, highest cumulative CH4 emission (6.9–7.0 kg ha−1) was recorded with the application of 100 % N by organic sources (FYM+GM+BF+VC). Global warming potential (GWP) was significantly lower in aerobic rice (105.0–107.5 kg CO2 ha−1) compared to FT rice (1242.5–1447.5 kg CO2 ha−1). Significantly higher amount of water was used in FT rice than aerobic rice by both the rice varieties, and a water saving between 59.5 and 63 % were recorded. Under aerobic conditions, both rice varieties had a water productivity of 8.50–14.69 kg ha−1, whereas in FT rice, it was 3.81–6.00 kg ha−1. In FT rice, a quantity of 1529.2–1725.2 mm water and in aerobic rice 929.2–1225.2 mm water was used to produce one kg rice. Thus, there was a saving of 28.4–39.6 % total water in both the rice varieties under AR cultivation.

Study of spatial water requirements of rice under various crop establishment methods using GIS and crop models

Application of crop simulation models at larger spatial scales is very essential to develop best management practices in order to maximize yields and reduce environmental pollution. In the present study, spatial analysis of long- term simulations were carried out with DSSAT spatial analysis tool linked with GIS to estimate irrigation requirements and nitrate leaching under alternate rice establishment methods in the Wargal watershed, Andhra Pradesh, India. Rice yields were compared among three management scenarios: rainfed, aerobic and flooded systems. Grain yield, seasonal water balance components, nitrate leaching and water use efficiency were calculated, visualized and mapped with GIS. The rice productivity increased by 22% and 27% under aerobic and flooded management compared to rainfed rice. The adoption of new water efficient aerobic rice cultivation in the watershed resulted in 36% water saving with a relatively small yield reduction of 4%, thus increasing the water productivity to 0.77 g kg-1 in aerobic compared to 0.56 g kg-1 in flooded rice. The aerobic rice method reduced the overall water pumping hours to 88 h ha-1 during rice crop season compared to 299 h ha-1 with flooded rice cultivation, resulting in 71% energy savings.

Effect of organic manures and liquid organic manures on growth, yield and economics of aerobic rice cultivation

Field experiment was conducted to know the response of organic manures on growth, yield, quality and economics of aerobic rice during Kharif 2011 at MARS, Dharwad. Results indicated that among organic treatments combined application of EC(1/3) + VC(1/3) + GLM(1/3) equivalent to RDF + FYM in combination with foliar application of jeevamrut @ 500 l ha ?1 at planting, 30 and 60 DAS + panchagavya @ 5 per cent at panicle emergence and flowering stages recorded significantly higher growth parameters with higher grain yield (3837 kg ha ?1 ) and straw yield (5855 kg ha ?1 ) which was on par with control treatments i.e. , RDF + FYM and RDF only. But the net return (Rs.36,366) was higher with combined application of EC(1/3) + VC(1/3) + GLM(1/3) equivalent to RDF + FYM in a combination with foliar application of jeevamrut @ 500 l ha ?1 at planting, 30 and 60 DAS + cow urine @ 10 per cent at panicle emergence and flowering stages and B:C (2.49) was higher with combined application of EC(1/3) + VC(1/3) + GLM(1/3) equivalent to RDN + cow urine @ 10 per cent at panicle emergence and flowering stages this might be due to lower cost of cultivation with these treatments.

Effects of impulse drip irrigation systems on physiology of aerobic rice

Drip irrigation studies were conducted in aerobic rice during the dry season (July–October) of 2011 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India with three levels of lateral distances (0.6, 0.8 or 1.0 m) and two discharge rates, viz., 0.6 and 1.0 litre per hour (LPH) emitters. Among the lateral distances, 0.8 m lateral distance adjudged as optimum spacing for better performance in terms of physiological responses as well as yield. Between two-discharge rates, 1.0 LPH drippers out performed 0.6 LPH drippers. Interactively, laterals spaced at 0.8 m with 1.0 LPH drippers exhibited best performance by way of physiological attributes [such as relative water content, chlorophyll stability index, soluble protein, photosynthesis (PN), stomatal resistance (gs), internal CO2 concentration (Ci), nitrate reductase activity and proline content], yield and its components along with water productivity. Therefore, it is suggested that the lateral spacing of 0.8 m with 1.0 LPH drippers with the plants spaced at 20 × 10 cm is the best treatment for aerobic rice cultivation in enhancing the grain yield and water productivity in the areas of limited water availability.

Zinc Availability and Dynamics in the Transition from Flooded to Aerobic Rice Cultivation

Zinc Availability and Dynamics in the Transition from Flooded to Aerobic Rice Cultivation

Rice responses to rising temperatures--challenges, perspectives and future directions.

Phenotypic plasticity in overcoming heat stress-induced damage across hot tropical rice-growing regions is predominantly governed by relative humidity. Expression of transpiration cooling, an effective heat-avoiding mechanism, will diminish with the transition from fully flooded paddies to water-saving technologies, such as direct-seeded and aerobic rice cultivation, thus further aggravating stress damage. This change can potentially introduce greater sensitivity to previously unaffected developmental stages such as floral meristem (panicle) initiation and spikelet differentiation, and further intensify vulnerability at the known sensitive gametogenesis and flowering stages. More than the mean temperature rise, increased variability and a more rapid increase in nighttime temperature compared with the daytime maximum present a greater challenge. This review addresses (1) the importance of vapour pressure deficit under fully flooded paddies and increased vulnerability of rice production to heat stress or intermittent occurrence of combined heat and drought stress under emerging water-saving rice technologies; (2) the major disconnect with high night temperature response between field and controlled environments in terms of spikelet sterility; (3) highlights the most important mechanisms that affect key grain quality parameters, such as chalk formation under heat stress; and finally (4), we model and estimate heat stress-induced spikelet sterility taking South Asia as a case study.

Farmers’ views on the future prospects of aerobic rice culture in Pakistan

In parts of Pakistan, the sustainability of conventional flooded rice systems is threatened by diminishing resources, particularly – land, water, and labour. The adoption of aerobic rice system (ARS), an alternative to the conventional systems, could considerably increase resource-use efficiencies. Information on farmer perceptions is vital to identify socio-technological factors of adoption. Our aim was to understand and analyse farmer perceptions about ARS in regards to future adoption. We conducted our study in the Pakistani Punjab with three groups of farmers: (I) informant farmers in rice–wheat system who trialled ARS in a participatory research trial (n=70), (II) rice farmers in rice–wheat, mixed-cropping and cotton–wheat system with no experience of ARS (n=97), and (III) non-rice farmers in mixed-cropping and cotton–wheat system (n=48). Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire and analysed by using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. More than half of respondents in groups II and III had never heard of ARS, though, 76% were open to experimenting. Across three groups, farmers perceived ARS as a means of increasing resource-use efficiency particularly for labour, net profitability, and an option for crop diversification in the mixed-cropping system. Perceived threats were weeds, diseases, poor germination, spikelet sterility, low yields, and frequent irrigation requirement. Deciding factors for repeat ARS plantings by group I were: ease of operation due to direct seeding, good income, and low input requirement. Deciding factors against repeat plantings were: unavailability of suitable fine grain basmati varieties, falling water table, weed problem, and unsuitable soil type. The results suggest that aerobic rice is an interesting alternative to traditional rice production as evident from the willingness to plant again by 73% group I demonstration households but the unavailability of well-adapted basmati varieties hampers its expansion. Farmers’ appreciation of risks and benefits can pave the way for large-scale adoption. Associated risks can be reduced by filling the identified knowledge or technological gaps through additional research and farmer awareness programmes.

Water productivity and nutrient status of rice soil in response to cultivation techniques and nitrogen fertilization

Three methods of rice cultivation were compared in a field experiment at New Delhi, India during 2012 for their water use and changes in nutrient availability of soil. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with conventional transplanting (CT), system of rice intensification (SRI), and aerobic rice (AR) cultivation technologies. Five doses of nitrogen included 100 % (120 kg N ha−1), 125, and 150 % recommended dose of N(RDN) through urea, 75 % of RDN through urea (90 kg N ha−1) + 25 % of RDN (30 kg ha−1) through farm yard manure (FYM), and 100 % of RDN through FYM. Results revealed that status of available N in soil under rice at 45 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) was significantly higher in CT and SRI compared to AR method. Application of the highest dose of nitrogen through urea resulted in the highest availability of N (188.9, 174.2, and 135.2 kg ha−1 for 45 and 90 DAS and at harvest stage, respectively). The soil under AR recorded significantly low availability of phosphorus and iron. However, availability of K in soil was not affected significantly under adopted production techniques and nitrogen management. The recorded irrigation water productivity was maximum in AR cultivation (9.16 kg ha mm−1) followed by SRI (7.02 kg ha mm−1) with irrigation water saving of 54 and 36 %, respectively compared to CT.

Sistem Mekanisasi Padi Aerob

For the success of aerobic rice cultivation technology in the country, mechanization is one of the important aspects needs to be considered. Mechanization system for aerobic rice technology use to help increasing the revenue and workmanship of the operators for aerobic rice farming. Reduce labor costs, improve quality and save quality working hour is an important part of the work generated by the mechanized system. Through a system of aerobic rice mechanization, farm work such as land preparation, sowing, crop management and harvesting can be done easily and efficiently. In addition, mechanization system can also increase the pace of work and move the farmers of the aerobic rice paddy farming methods towards the modernization agriculture practice.

Padi Aerob Untuk Mengatasi Masalah Kekurangan Air

Irrigated lowland rice is the most important rice ecosystem in Malaysia. The present and future food security in rice for the country depends largely on the irrigated lowland rice production system which consumes a large amount of water. Signs of declining water availability due to increased demand of water for domestic and industrial uses besides irregularity of rainfall and climate change threatens the sustainability of irrigated rice production. This scenario may change the way rice is produced in the future. Aerobic rice is a potential water saving rice production system and will be the best option of producing rice in water scarce environment. The availability of aerobic rice varieties that can withstand aerobic condition, responds to irrigation and fertilizers, competitive against weeds and deliver a high yield is crucial to make aerobic rice cultivation successful. Since weeds are major constraints to aerobic rice, it must be effectively controlled through integrated weed management. Appropriate nutrient and other crop management practices will ensure successful aerobic rice production system.