System Of Rice Intensification Cultivation Research Articles

Differential Response of Rhizosphere Microbial Diversity and Activities to System of Rice Intensification and Conventional Cultivation

Rice holds a vital position among staple crops worldwide, serving as a primary source of essential nutrition for a significant portion of the global population. Rice production is currently plagued by several problems causing a decline in crop yields. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a set of farming practices designed to improve the productivity and sustainability of rice cultivation. One of the reasons for the sustainability of SRI has been attributed to enhanced below-ground soil microbial processes around the SRI plant root system. This study assessed the effect of SRI and Normal Transplanting (NTP) cultivation methods on rhizospheric soil microbial populations, phyto-hormones, soil enzyme activities under four different nitrogen (N) treatments under a station trial and in on-farms experiments farmer’s. Rhizosphere soils and root samples of SRI exhibited significantly higher microbial population, microbial diversity, phyto - hormone production, enzyme activities in station trail. Among different levels of nitrogen fertilizer applications, treatments receiving 50% organic + 50% inorganic N forms possessed significantly higher microbiota and their activities. On farm trials also exhibited similar trends as the station trial. In conclusion, the study highlights the positive effects of SRI cultivation combined with a balanced organic and inorganic nitrogen treatment on soil microbial populations and phyto-hormone production and soil enzyme activities which could have an influence of system sustainability.

Optimizing Nursery Trays for Minimizing Seedlings per Pick of Transplanter in SRI

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) revolutionizes rice cultivation through innovative practices. It is a methodology that enhances rice yields by optimizing plant growth and resource utilization. This study, conducted in 2023 at TNAU, Coimbatore, India, focuses on the optimization of nursery tray configurations for enhanced seedlings per pick during rice transplantation, contributing to more efficient SRI cultivation. The selection of nursery trays plays a crucial role in determining seedling distribution, impacting crop yield and agricultural efficiency. Through the manipulation of seed density, depth of filling, and tray configuration, the research aims to improve the seedlings' per-pick outcome during mechanized transplantation. The investigation involves 12 tray combinations with varying seed density (40 gm, 60 gm, 80 gm, and 100 gm) and depth of fillings with different heights in tray (15 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm). Seedling growth parameters are meticulously assessed, including shoot length and root length to evaluate tray efficacy. The study also analyzes transplanter compatibility and the influence of seed density and depth of filling on seedling growth. Results highlight the tray configuration with an 80 gm seed density and 25 mm soil height as optimal, offering 1-3 seedlings per pick and minimal missing hills less than 1%. The endeavor to minimize picks per hill through precise tray combinations represents a crucial step in addressing the challenges of modern agriculture and shaping a more sustainable and productive future.

A new methodological approach to the establishment of sustainable agricultural ecology in drought vulnerable areas of eastern India

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), the staple food for much of the world, requires gallons of water during its growth phase from tillage to harvest through conventional farming and emits significant greenhouse gases. Hence, modified cultivation techniques are felt to be needed to increase rice productivity, minimize water and fertilizer consumption effectively, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions to a certain extent. The present experiment was based on the Purulia district, identified as a drought-prone zone through the RS-GIS technique. Two methods, the conventional method (CVN) and the system of rice intensification (SRI), were studied with four varieties of rice, viz. var. MTU 1010, var. IET 4786, var. IET 17430 and var. IET 9947 on water resource vulnerability, associated greenhouse gas emissions (CH4, N2O) and global warming potential (GWP). The results indicated that SRI cultivation is the smart method compared to CVN in the drought-prone Purulia District due to its lower water requirements and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There was higher CH4 flux among the CVN plots than in the SRI plots (p < 0.05). The N2O flux in the rice field plots of CVN (Rabi-1.54 ± 0.04 kg ha−1, Kharif 1.51 ± 0.10 kg ha−1) was lower than the SRI (Rabi-2.08 ± 0.07, Kharif- 1.83 ± 0.02 kg ha−1) during Rabi season. The CH4 flux for CVN (Rabi-94.32 ± 2.71 kg ha−1; Kharif 110.33 ± 3.90 kg ha−1) was higher than the SRI (Rabi-68.16 ± 2.37, Kharif- 61.72 ± 2.41 kg ha−1) during Rabi season. The CO2-eq emission (pGWP) and yield-scaled CO2-eq emission (YpGWP) from the SRI were significantly lower when compared with CVN (p < 0.05). The result shows that the SRI technique is an effective agricultural method that farmers should be encouraged to follow in the drought-prone region to ensure less water consumption and a sustainable future for generations.

Comparative Analysis of Different Nitrogen Treatments on Yield and Its Attributes in SRI and Conventional Cultivation

The current study reveals the effect of inconsistent nitrogen treatments on yield and yield attributes in the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and conventional practices when compared during Kharif 2018 and 2019. Growth parameters like plant height, tillers per plant, yield attributes viz; length of panicle, number of filled and unfilled grains per panicle, test weight, straw yield, and harvest index were compared under both conventional and SRI methods. Subplots comprising four nitrogen management practices like control (N1),100% organic (N2), 50% organic+50% inorganic (N3) 100% inorganic (N4) were taken. The maximal yield was recorded in SRI (5265 kg ha-1) than conventional cultivation i.e., Normal Transplanting (4168 kg ha-1). Among the nitrogen management practices 50% inorganic + 50% organic treatments (N3) showed better performance when compared to 100% inorganic (N4), followed by 100% organic (N2) and control (N1). The pooled analysis of grain yield was observed to be highest in the N3 treatment (5551 kg ha-1), followed by N4 (5185 kg ha-1), N2 (4988 kg ha-1), and control N1 (3142 kg ha-1). A similar pattern was also seen pertaining to the yield attributes.

Adept to Adapt: Closing the Gender Capacity Gaps for Scaling Up System of Crop Intensification

The system of rice intensification (SRI) has been introduced as an alternative system for growing rice with lesser inputs and water. Labour is one of the most crucial concerns in the adoption of SRI by farmers. The adaptation to newer methods of rice cultivation is presumed to be easier if the workforce is adept to adapt. The new skills needed to adopt SRI, are transplanting young and single seedlings and use of mechanical weeders. The present study was therefore, undertaken, to identify training needs of women farmers in SRI cultivation. Line sowing was perceived as a new skill to be acquired and rated as highly skilful. Close attention was needed by women farmers/labour to systematically plant within the square. The paper attempts to apply the components of the community capitals framework (CCF) developed by Cornelia and Jan Flora (2013), for closing the gender capacity gaps in the uptake and scaling up of SCI/SRI. The seven forms of capital in this framework are considered not only as individual capabilities and endowments but are viewed as collective resources and are to be considered in the specific order of natural, cultural, human, social, political, financial and built capital. In this paper emphasis is being given to build the Human and Social Capital for closing the gender capacity gaps for scaling up SCI/SRI. There is immense scope of harnessing the potential of training members of women’s self-help groups (SHG) to form a SRI task force to help in the wide spread adoption of SRI by farmers.

Carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions for different rice cultivation practices

Traditional rice farming systems require large amounts of water for irrigation, labour for transplanting culms and tending fields, and therefore, emit large amounts of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), nitrous oxide (N 2 O) and methane (CH 4 ). Adopting alternative rice farming practices could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon (C) sequestration. In this study, an on-site field experiment was conducted to assess the contribution of carbon by farm operations involved in the three types of rice cultivation practices: conventional (CVN), the system of rice intensification (SRI), and zero-tillage (ZTL). The study was aimed to examine the carbon indices under three different rice cultivation methods to assess the ecosystem services and disservices associated with carbon sequestration and emission. Results showed that fertilizer application significantly contributed to GWP among the three cultivations. In the CVN and ZTL plots, the GWP was higher for CH 4 and N 2 O. However, all three cultivation strategies acted as carbon sinks, with SRI cultivation yielding the highest sequestration values. The lower CF, higher CS, and higher CER values were obtained for SRI field plots than the other two cultivation practices. The ratio between ecosystem services and disservices in terms of US$ was highest for SRI, followed by ZTL and CVN cultivations. In summary, sustainable agriculture could promote by applying organic manure in the context of SRI cultivation in the water-scarce zones and ZTL cultivation in the tropical upland zones, where such cultivation is not yet practised. Not only will this increase net carbon sequestration, but it will also benefit farmers soon in terms of yield.

Intensification and no till system are efficient nitrogen allocators in rice crops

Nitrogen is one of the yield-limiting nutrients for the growth of rice plants. The study emphasizes on utilization of nitrogen by the four varieties of rice plants (viz. var. MTU 1010, var. IET 4786, var. IET 17430, and var. IET 9947) under system of rice intensification (SRI), zero tillage (ZTL), and conventional (CVN) method of cultivation in India. Results showed that plants under SRI and ZTL cultivation have significantly higher capacity (55% and 39%, respectively) of nitrogen uptake (kg ha−1) at maturity than CVN cultivation. The yield ranged from 9.15 ± 2.33 to 13.53 ± 1.94 t ha−1, and 3.26 ± 0.93 to 5.05 ± 1.03 t ha−1 in the SRI and ZTL, respectively which was higher as compared to CVN that was 2.84 ± 0.72 to 5.02 ± 0.32 t ha−1. Results also showed that plants under SRI and ZTL cultivation have higher values for nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) indices than CVN plants (p < .05). The agronomical efficiencies (AE) were 111.74 ± 31.27, 37.92 ± 6.57 and 38.13 ± 11.17 for SRI, CVN and ZTL respectively. The physiological efficiencies (PE) were 141.39 ± 4.50, 220.31 ± 10.32, 207.59 ± 11.07 for SRI, CVN, and ZTL, respectively. In case of nitrogen harvest index (NHI), the values were 0.54 ± 0.03, 0.26 ± 0.03, 0.15 ± 0.04 for SRI, CVN, and ZTL, respectively. Thus, improved farming practices such as SRI or ZTL need to be introduced over the CVN farming technique to increase rice yields, and ensure efficient use of applied nitrogen.

Crop performance and soil-plant nutrient dynamics in rice-lentil system altered with rice cultivation practices in alkaline soil

Aerobic or partially-aerobic rice cultivation techniques like direct-seeding of rice (DSR) and system of rice intensification (SRI) are gaining recognition, particularly for water-saving. However, their productivity is often constrained by several deficiencies in the soil-plant system (crop nutrition in particular). The study aimed to assess crop eco-physiology and soil-plant nutrient dynamics in rice-lentil system in an alkaline Fluvisol as influenced by different rice cultivation techniques (RCT) viz., DSR, SRI and conventional transplanted flooded-rice (PTR). The lower (9–11 %) yield of DSR crop compared to PTR crop was attributed to reduced root growth, effective tiller, and panicle and seed weights. Likewise, the SRI crop yield was lower (4–7 %) than the PTR crop. The reduced availability of soil KMnO4-N (7%) and Olsen-P (9%) in the rice seasons caused lower N (12–14 %), P (10 %), K (5–7 %) accumulations in DSR crop as compared to PTR crop (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the SRI cultivation practice caused a decrease in Olsen-P (6%) during the rice seasons and lower crop macro-nutrient acquisition compared to the PTR crop. Sensor-based indices indicated a suboptimal N nutrition and higher leaf flavonoids accumulation in the DSR crop. The DSR crop exhibited higher post-anthesis nutrients (N, P) remobilization, physiological and internal nutrient utilization efficiencies over the SRI and PTR crops. The higher nodulation (21–31 %), root growth (8–10 %), and yield of lentil (10–16 %) in the DSR treatment compared to the SRI and PTR treatments suggested adverse impacts of wet-tillage (puddling) on the subsequent crop. The system productivity and economic gain were comparable in all the RCT treatments; however, the DSR and SRI cultivation practices increased the water productivity by 64 % and 44 % over the PTR. Thus, in alkaline soil, particular attention is warranted to improve N and P nutrition in non-flooded rice crops (DSR in particular) to sustain their yield potential. Also, real-time N management using sensor-based indices and trait-based cultivar selection (root growth and source-sink translocation) could be strategic options for improving DSR productivity.

SRI (Rice Intensification System) water management of rice productivity

Rice crop production in the field is influenced by water availability, nutrients, and rice seedlings. The application of the SRI (System of Rice Intensification) method is a method of rice cultivation that is water-efficient and can provide optimal rice crop yields. Various irrigation systems have been applied to regulate water in rice plants in SRI cultivation with varying yields. It shows that water management in the SRI method determines the production yield. The purpose of this study was to assess water management in SRI rice cultivation with varying availability of water and nutrients (the size of the growing media volume varies). The method used polynomial regression statistics on high variables, and the number of tillers was also descriptive methods on other parameters. The observations showed that irrigation management and media size affected production yields on SRI method of rice cultivation.

Optimizing rice paddies’ lower greenhouse gas emissions and higher yield with SRI management under varying water table levels

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is known as a climate-smart agricultural practice that increases rice production by changing the management of plants, soil, water, and nutrients. SRI water management relies on intermittent irrigation rather than on the continuous flooding of conventionally managed rice production. Different water table levels affect the soil conditions which contribute to different fluxes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study estimated the impact on global warming potential (GWP) of GHG emissions from rice paddies when an SRI crop is managed with different water table levels. In this study, CO2 equivalence was assessed using a Simple Greenhouse Gas model, and an artificial neural network model for assessing CH4 and N2O. SRI paddy rice was grown in experimental pots under varying water table treatments, with the water table controlled by using Mariotte tubes set at + 2, 0, − 3, − 5, − 7, and − 12 cm from the soil surface. GHG emissions, which could be monitored more closely in pot trials than in fields, are a composite of the plants’ respiration, soil respiration (which is a result primarily of microbial activity), and the respiration that results from root exudates. With SRI practices, rice paddies can serve as a sink rather than a source for CH4 as seen from the negative values for CH4 emissions at all water table treatments. While there were N2O emissions with SRI practice, they were much less in terms of CO2 equivalence than the GWP reduction achieved by reducing CH4. Overall, under the experimental conditions the best water table level for SRI cultivation, with the most rice produced relative to GHG emissions, was − 5 cm from the soil surface. For each kg of grain produced, there were 0.80 kg CO2 eq of GHG emissions. By comparison, a normally flooded paddy field with usual crop management methods emits 1.97 kg CO2 eq per kg of grain produced, almost 150% more. This finding that a water table of − 5 cm is optimal will not necessarily apply for all field conditions, but the research addresses the desirability of seeking to optimize between GHG reductions and increased yield when growing paddy rice, and of developing appropriate methodology for achieving this composite objective.

Substitusi Pupuk Kimia pada Budidaya Padi SRI Pengaruhnya Terhadap Pertumbuhan, Produksi dan Organisme Tanah

Penelitian ini bertujuan mempelajari pengaruh budidaya SRI dibandingkan metode konvensional dengan berbagai taraf pemupukan terhadap pertumbuhan dan produksi padi serta mempelajari aktivitas dan populasi organisme tanah. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) merupakan inovasi dalam system budidaya padi yang masih berkembang terus namun telah mampu meningkatkan produksi. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan sejak Desember 2014 sampai dengan April 2015 pada lahan sawah irigasi kecamatan Pakem Kabupaten Sleman, Provinsi D.I Yogyakarta. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan split plot. Petak utama adalah metode budidaya padi SRI dan konvensional, dan sebagai anak petak adalah empat taraf pemupukan, yaitu pupuk anorganik dosis rekomendasi dan dikombinasi dengan pupuk organik serta pupuk organik hayati. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tinggi tanaman, jumlah anakan, jumlah anakan produktif dan hasil panen pada budidaya SRI signifikan lebih tinggi dibandingkan budidaya konvensional. Metode budidaya SRI mampu meningkatkan hasil gabah lebih tinggi. Aktivitas dan populasi organisme tanah juga tidak menunjukan perbedaan yang nyata pada penerapan metode budidaya dan aplikasi pemupukan yang dilakukan.&#x0D; Kata kunci: Pertumbuhan, produksi dan organisme tanah, System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

IbM Implementation of SRI Method in Semi Organic Rice Farm in Pasarean Village, Pamijahan Subdistrict, Bogor District

Most rice farmers in Pamijahan Subdistrict cultivate in traditional way and have relatively low income. Farmer’s low income was caused by low productivity so farmer welfare also decrease. Traditional methods in cultivation also affect the environment because of high usage of chemical fertilizer. This community service program aims to increase farmer’s income in Pamijahan Subdistrict by introducing System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method using organic fertilizer. The main activities are: instituional strengthening, SRI training and cultivation practice (pilot project). The expected outcome of this community service activity is to increase production by using less input and to get higher selling price for organic rice. There are four steps in this program is: planning, organizing, actuating and controlling. The sequence is: 1) Program preparation, consist of: program socialization, institutional strengthening, cooperation with SRI trainer, preparation of experimental field, seed and agricultural equipment; 2) Institutional strengthening with rice farmer; 3) SRI method training with trainers from Nagrak Organic SRI Center to change farmer’s mindset and train farmers about SRI cultivation method; 4) Cultivation in experimental field (650 m2), where farmers practice to cultivate rice with SRI method; 5) Experimental field harvesting, unhuled rice yielded around 65 kg or 30–40 kg of rice; and 6) Supervision during the experimental cultivation by IPB lecturers and village officials.

Agronomic fortification of rice grains with secondary and micronutrients under differing crop management and soil moisture regimes in the north Indian Plains

Although the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) has been reported to produce higher paddy (Oryza sativa L.) yields with better-quality grains, little research has addressed the latter claim. This study investigated the interactive effects of rice cultivation methods with different irrigation schedules and plant density on the uptake and concentration of sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) in the grain and straw of two rice cultivars during two rainy seasons in the northern plains of India. As the two seasons differed in amounts of rainfall, there were impacts of soil moisture differences on nutrient uptake. Plots with SRI cultivation methods enhanced the grain uptake and concentrations of S, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu by 36, 32, 28, 32 and 63%, respectively, compared to conventional transplanting (CT). Under SRI management, the highest concentrations of S, Zn and Cu in the grain and straw occurred with irrigation intervals scheduled at 3 days after disappearance of ponded water (DADPW; 3D), whereas Fe and Mn concentrations in the grain and straw were higher with irrigation at 1 DADPW (1D) compared with plots under 3D or 5 DADPW (5D). The higher nutrient uptakes were also manifested in higher grain yield in 1D and 3D plots (by 9 and 6%, respectively) compared with 5D. Wider spacing (25 × 25 cm) compared with closer spacing (20 × 20 cm) significantly increased yield and the uptake and concentrations of all the said nutrients in the grains. When comparing the performance of two cultivars, the total uptakes of Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu in both grain and straw were significantly more in Hybrid 6444 than the improved variety Pant Dhan 4. Overall, SRI crop management compared to CT practices led to more biological fortification of rice grains with respect to S and the four micronutrients studied, giving a concomitant yield advantage of about 17% on average in this region.

Gender dimensions and training needs of farm women in system of rice intensification in selected districts of Bihar state

The system of rice intensification (SRI) has been introduced as an alternative system for growing rice with lesser inputs and water. Labour is one of the most crucial concerns in the adoption of SRI by farmers. SRI requires intensive labour inputs for land preparation, crop care, and water management, especially at the early phase of adoption. According to the latest census of Government of India (2011) 53 per cent of all male workers but 75 per cent of all female workers, and 85 per cent of all rural female workers, are in agriculture. The present study was, therefore, undertaken, to identify training needs of farm women in SRI cultivation and to analyze the drudgery perceived by farm women in traditional and SRI cultivation methods. Line sowing was felt as a new skill to be acquired and rated as highly skilful as farm women had to be careful and systematically plant within the square. There is immense scope of harnessing the potential of training members of women's self-help groups (SHG) to form a SRI task force to help in the wide spread adoption of SRI by farmers.

Photosynthesis and Transpiration Rates of Rice Cultivated Under the System of Rice Intensification and the Effects on Growth and Yield

The system of rice intensification (SRI) crop management method has been reported by many authors to significantly increase rice yield with lower inputs, but physiological bases of yielding improvement has not been studied. In this research we assessed some physiological parameters and the mechanism of rice yield improvement of rice plants under SRI cultivation method during both vegetative and generative phases compared to conventional rice cultivation methods. We measured photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, leaf temperature, chlorophyll content, N and P uptake, plant growth parameters and yield for those comparison. SRI methods significantly increased both vegetative and reproductive (generative) parameters of rice plants compared to conventional cultivation methods. Photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, N and P uptake under SRI cultivation were significantly higher compared to those of the conventional rice cultivation, but no differences were found in transpiration rate and leaf temperature. With SRI method, plants in their generative phase (especially in the grain-filling phase) had the highest photosynthetic and the lowest transpiration rates. Grain yield under SRI method was significantly higher (ca. 24%) than that of conventional method.

Effect of timing and graded levels of nitrogen and potassium in SRI cultivation

A field experiment was carried out at Annamalai University Experimental farm, Annamalai nagar, during Kuruvai and Navarai in the year 2008-09. To study the timing and graded levels of nitrogen and potassium in rice crop under SRI (System of rice intensification) cultivation. The experiment was laid out on deep clay soil by adopting randomized block design with factorial technique (FRBD). The results of field experiment revealed that the maximum growth and yield attributes were recorded in the treatment which received P2O5 as fully basal dose and nitrogen as three split doses viz., 50% basal and 25% each at tillering and panicle initiation stages. Potassium was applied as 33.3% K2O each at 15, 30 and 45 DAT. This treatment significantly recorded higher grain yield of 6278.7 kg ha-1 in field experiment – I and 6577.9 kg ha-1 in field experiment – II; and the straw yield of 7010.3 and 7309.7 kg ha-1 in field experiment I and II respectively. The shoot and grain uptake of nutrients (N, P and K) were high during 15, 30 and 45 DAT and at harvest which received 33.3 % K2O each at 15, 30 and 45 DAT.

Socio-economic impact of system of rice intensification (SRI) and traditional rice cultivation in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu : experiences from TN-IAMWARM Project

The study has assessed the socio-economic impact of rice intensification. The results of the study revealed that, variables namely age, education, farming experience, SRI experience, information seeking behaviour, training attended, extension orientation, economic motivation, risk orientation, market perception, innovativeness and attitude were found to be positively significant at 1 per cent level of probability with their extent of adoption of SRI technology. The most important constraint in SRI cultivation has been identified as usage of cono-weeder (58.21 %) followed by nursery management (56.61 %). The adoption of SRI technique has helped increase the rice production without increasing the area under its cultivation and has proved to serve as an alternative method for rice cultivation.

Evaluating sustainable intensification and diversification options for agriculture-based livelihoods within an aquatic biodiversity conservation context in Buxa, West Bengal, India

Potential impacts of sustainable intensification and diversification options for agriculture-based livelihoods in Buxa, West Bengal, India, were evaluated using bioeconomic modelling. The baseline scenario involved multiple cropping seasons and a combination of crops on 0.9 ha land-holdings, livestock husbandry, and exploitation of common property resources. With capital costs of Rs.128,180 (US$2293) and annual operating costs of Rs.37,290 (US$667), the net benefit generated (excluding depreciation) was Rs.70,250 (US$1257) annually. The pay-back period was 1.8 years, and the internal rate of return (IRR) was 53.7% over 10 years. Allocation of 20 days annually to fishing increased the net benefit to Rs.75,030 (US$1342) and IRR to 56.5% with minimal added costs and risks. Adopting the system of rice intensification (SRI) for paddy cultivation on 0.35 ha increased the IRR to 61.1%, while reducing agrochemical and inorganic fertilizer use. Including small-scale fish culture in a 0.1 ha pond integrated in the irrigation scheme for SRI cultivation resulted in an IRR of 77.3% and reduced the pay-back period to 1.3 years. Some risks to biodiversity are apparent with each scenario; however, with appropriate safeguards, sustainable agricultural intensification and livelihoods diversification could bolster agrobiodiversity and social-ecological resilience of highland communities, while alleviating pressure on biodiversity.

Efisiensi Serapan Hara dan Hasil Padi pada Budidaya SRI di Persawahan Pasang Surut dengan Menggunakan Kompos Diperkaya

There are two main problems when system of rice intensification (SRI) cultivation is carried out at tidal areas, e.g. the presence of Fe which is potentially toxic to plants and low nutrients availability. Utilization of Azotobacter-enriched compost is a choice to overcome iron toxicity as well a source of nutrients. The aims of this research were to study the effect of Azotobacter enriched compost to reduce the rates of inorganic fertilizers applied, to increase the efficiency of N, P, and K uptake, and to increase plant growth and yield. Two rice cultivation methods were applied namely SRI and conventional rice cultivation methods on tidal lands (rice fields) of South Kalimantan. A completely randomized block design with two factors was applied. The main plots were SRI and conventional rice cultivation, and as subplots were eight types of fertilizer that is a combination between Azotobacter-enriched compost with inorganic fertilizers rates. The results showed that soil nutrient availability, uptake and efficiency of N, P, and K with SRI technique was higher than conventional cultivation. Azotobacter- enriched compost on the tidal land (rice fields) could reduce the use of N and K fertilizer by 25%. Furthermore, the efficiency of N and P uptake in enriched compost with 75% of fertilizer N, P, and K were not different with enriched compost with 75% of fertilizer. Ciherang rice yields with SRI cultivation was approximately 22% higher compared to that from conventional rice cultivation. Keywords: Azotobacter-enriched compost, conventional rice cultivation, inorganic fertizers

SRI-A Method for Sustainable Intensification of Rice Production with Enhanced Water Productivity

Climate change induced higher temperatures will increase crops’ water requirements. Every 10°C increase in mean temperature, results in 7% decline in the yield of rice crop. Hence, there is a need to develop water saving technologies in rice which consumes more than 50% of the total irrigation water in agriculture. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is one such water saving rice production technology. Experiments were conducted at different locations in India including research farm of Directorate of Rice Research (DRR), Hyderabad, during 2005-10 to assess the potential of SRI in comparison to normal transplanting/Standard Planting (NTP/SP) under flooded condition. SRI recorded higher grain yield (6 to 65% over NTP) at majority of locations. Long term studies clearly indicated that grain yield was significantly higher (12-23% and 4-35% over NTP in Kharif and Rabi seasons, respectively) in SRI (with organic+ inorganic fertilizers) while the SRI (with100% organic manures), recorded higher yield (4-34%) over NTP only in the Rabi seasons. Even though, SRI resulted in higher productivity, the available nutrient status in soil was marginally higher (10, 42 and 13% over NTP for N, P and K, respectively) at the end of four seasons. There was a reduction in the incidence of pests in SRI and the relative abundance of plant parasitic nematodes was low in SRI as compared to the NTP. About 31% and 37% saving in irrigation water was observed during Kharif and Rabi seasons, respectively in both methods of SRI cultivation over NTP. SRI performed well and consistently reduced requirement of inputs such as seed and water in different soil conditions. SRI method, using less water for rice production can help in overcoming water shortage