Upland Rice Research Articles

Effect of phosphorus management on yield and economics under direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa) and blackgram (Vigna mungo) intercropping in a rainfed acidic upland soil

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2019 at ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Central Rainfed Upland Rice Research Station (CRURRS), Hazaribagh, Jharkhand to study the effect of phosphorus management on productivity and profitability under direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) (DSR) and blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] intercropping in rainfed acidic upland soil. The experiment was laid-out in a split-plot design comprised 4 methods of cropping, viz. Sole DSR; Sole blackgram; DSR + blackgram (4:1); and DSR + blackgram (4:2) allotted to main-plots and 4 phosphorus management practices, viz. P control (P0 ); Recommended dose of phosphorus (RDP) @17.5 kg P/ha; 50% RDP + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) @500 g/ha + arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) @12.5 kg/ha; and 25% lime requirement (LR) + PSB + AMF in sub-plots. Experiment consisted of 16 treatment combinations, replicated thrice. The rice variety ‘Sahabhagi’ and blackgram variety ‘Uttara’ were used. Among the cropping systems, the highest grain yield was recorded in sole rice (3.84 t/ha) and sole blackgram (1.14 t/ha) which was significantly higher than yields under intercropping in both the ratios. Gross (`96,879/ha) and net returns (`70,603/ha) of sole blackgram were significantly higher than other cropping systems and followed by DSR + blackgram (4:2). Net benefit:cost (B:C) of sole blackgram was maximum (`2.69) and lowest in sole rice (`1.01). Among phosphorus management treatments, 50% RDP + PSB + AMF gave significantly higher net return (`49,440) and net benefit:cost (`1.68). Application of 100% RDP and 25% LR + PSB + AMF gave at par returns and net benefit:cost. It may be suggested that under rainfed uplands of eastern India, farmers may adopt either sole blackgram or intercropping of rice and blackgram in 4:2 over sole DSR for higher productivity and monetary returns. For better phosphorus management in soil they should inoculate PSB and AM fungi along with 50% RDP at the time of sowing.

High-Sensitivity Differential Helmholtz Photoacoustic System Combined with the Herriott Multipass Cell and Its Application in Seed Respiration.

A highly sensitive photoacoustic detection system using a differential Helmholtz resonator (DHR) combined with a Herriott multipass cell is presented, and its implementation to sub-ppm level carbon dioxide (CO2) detection is demonstrated. Through the utilization of erbium-doped optical fiber amplifier (EDFA), the laser power was amplified to 150 mW. Within the multipass cell, a total of 22 reflections occurred, contributing to an impressive 33.6 times improvement in the system sensitivity. The normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient (NNEA) was 8.64 × 10-11 cm-1·W·Hz-1/2 [signal-to-noise ratio, (SNR) = 1] and according to the Allan variance analysis, a minimum detection limit of 500 ppb could be achieved for CO2 at 1204 s, which demonstrates the long-term stability of the system. The system was applied to detect the respiration of rice and upland rice seeds. It is demonstrated that the system can monitor and distinguish the respiration intensity and respiration rate of different seeds in real time.

Initial vegetative growth and determination of the lethal dose of local rice arias putih at various doses of gamma irradiation

Local rice cultivars that are resistant to biotic and abiotic stress, in fact, still have weaknesses in terms of longevity and idiotypes that causes farmers to rarely cultivate local rice cultivars commercially. One method of plant breeding that can be taken to correct deficiencies in a plant is a mutation program using gamma-ray irradiation. The use of gamma rays must be tested for the value of LD50 so that the right dose is obtained in an effort to increase diversity. One of the upland rice varieties, Arias Putih, was irradiated with gamma rays at the following doses, G0=0 Gy, G1=100 Gy, G2=200 Gy, G3=300 Gy, G4=400 Gy, G5=500 Gy, G6=600 Gy, G7=700 Gy, G8=800 Gy, G9=900 Gy, G10=1000 Gy, and G11=1100 Gy. This LD 50 was carried out with three repetitions per treatment dose, including control. Each dose of gamma-ray irradiation used 100 rice seeds and sown in the seedbed for three weeks. The parameters observed were germination percentage, seedling height and root length, crown and root fresh weight. LD50 was obtained from germination percentage data and was analyzed using Curve-Fit Analysis software. The results revealed a decrease in growth character as the irradiation dose increased. Increasing the irradiation dose up to 500 Gy caused the seeds to die. The LD50 value obtained from the study was 224.13 Gy.

Improving upland rice (Oryza sativa l.) performance through enhanced soil fertility and water conservation methods

The experiment was conducted at Experimental sites of Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) – Ukiriguru, Mwanza, Tanzania. The objective was to improve performance of upland rice through enhanced soil fertility and water conservation methods. A split–split plot experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications and three factors that were (a) upland rice cultivars (WAB 450, NERICA1 and NERICA4) (b) fertilizer types, (Urea 80Kg N/ha, farm yard manure 5 t/ha and control) (c) three water conservation methods (flat cultivation, open ridge and tie ridge were applied). Rice was sown in seven rows at 30 cm inter–and intra–row spacing. Data on soil, weather, crop growth, yield components and grain yield were collected. Rainfall was 651.2 mm during the cropping season which was poorly distributed. Average temperature was 24oC with mean relative humidity of 75%. Soil analysis results showed that total nitrogen was 0.08 %, phosphorus 2.09mgP/Kg and organic carbon 0.58%. The soil calcium was 3.38 cmolc/Kg and potassium was 0.36cmolc/Kg, while zinc was 0.39 mg/Kg. Cultivars had significant effect on yields which were 2856, 2507 and 2140 Kg/ha for WAB 450, NERICA4 and NERICA1 respectively. Fertilizer types also significantly affected grain yield in the order of urea (3368 Kg/ha) > FYM (2723 Kg/ha) and > control (1421 Kg/ha). Moisture conservation methods significantly affected yield in this order: tie ridges (2710 Kg/ha) > open ridge (2398 Kg/ha) > flat cultivation (2394 Kg/ha). Overall, the study results indicated low fertility status in the soil, although it was found to be suitable for upland rice production with further improvement. It is concluded that rice cultivar, WAB 450 had the highest yield potential, while application of Urea at 80 Kg N/ha gave high grain yield, while tie ridges were the best in soil moisture conservation.

Application of Different Rates of N:P:K Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield Components of Upland Rice in Rice-Soybean Intercropping System

Application of Different Rates of N:P:K Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield Components of Upland Rice in Rice-Soybean Intercropping System

Varieties and phosphorus fertilization effects on productivity and profitability of direct-seeded upland rice (Oryza sativa) in Eastern India

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2016 at Hazaribag, Jharkhand to study the effect of varieties and phosphorus (P) applications on grain yield and economics of direct-seeded upland rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications, keeping 3 rice varieties, viz. ‘Vandana’, ‘Anjali’ and ‘CR Dhan 40’, in the main plots and 7 different P rates. viz., 0 kg/ha, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) + arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), 13.2 kg P/ha through single super phosphate (SSP), 13.2 kg P/ha through SSP + PSB + AMF, 26.4 kg P/ha through SSP, 26.4 kg P/ha through SSP + PSB + AMF and 39.6 kg P/ha through SSP in the sub-plots. The results revealed that yield attributes, viz. effective tillers/m2 (312), filled grains/panicle (130), panicle weight (27.9 g), 1,000-grain weight (22.5 g), and grain (3.91 t/ha) and straw yields (6.17 t/ha) were higher in ‘CR Dhan 40’ compared to ‘Anjali’ (259, 115, 2.04 g, 20.4 g, 3.33 t/ha and 5.64 t/ ha respectively) and ‘Vandana’ (252, 108, 1.78 g, 19.9 g, 3.12 t/ha and 5.53 t/ha respectively). Similarly, application of 39.6 kg P/ha through SSP recorded the highest values for yield attributes, grain (4.25 t/ha) and straw yields (6.79 t/ha), and was at par with 26.4 kg P/ha through SSP + PSB + AMF. Net returns and B:C ratio were also recorded the highest in ‘CR Dhan 40’ with 39.6 kg P/ha through SSP, which was at par with 26.4 kg P/ha through SSP + PSB + AMF. Thus, integrated application of 26.4 kg P/ha through SSP along with PSB and AMF in ‘CR Dhan 40’ can enhance grain yield and net returns of direct-seeded upland rice in Jharkhand.

Development and characterization of Japanese soy sauce-like fermented seasoning with various ingredients

Ten types of ingredients, including pressed barley, sprouted brown rice, red sorghum, amaranth, glutinous millet, upland rice, rice bran, chickpeas, rapeseed pomace, and perilla pomace, were utilized to develop a soy sauce-like seasoning. Free amino acid, aroma compound, and sensory evaluation values were measured in comparison to regular soy sauce (fermented with soybean and wheat). The content of free amino acids was highly correlated with the total nitrogen content, with regular soy sauce showing the highest value. The taste attribute amino acids levels were also high in regular soy sauce, rapeseed pomace, and perilla pomace, which attributed to a rich flavor. Except for sprouted brown rice and pressed barley, the remaining nine seasonings exhibited distinctive or elevated content of aroma compounds. Sensory evaluation separated eleven seasonings into sprouted brown rice, together with upland rice, and the rest. PLSR analysis identified sixteen free amino acids as flavor key contributors and twenty-four key aroma contributors. Among the eleven types of seasoning, regular soy sauce was characterized by a sweet and umami taste, while rapeseed pomace was predominantly bitter. The aroma of regular soy sauce was mainly derived from grains and tea, whereas rapeseed imparted distinctive flavors of broth smell and a fragrant aroma.

Investigation of Response of Upland Rice (<i>Oryza sativa </i>L.) to Blended NPSB Fertilizer in Fogera and Libo Kemkem Districts of Amhara Region

A field experiment was conducted for three years to evaluate and determine economic optimum rate of NPSB blended + urea fertilizers for upland rice production in Fogera and Libokemkem districts of Amhara Region. Blended NPSB fertilizer rates of 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> were factorially combined with 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. Zero fertilizer as control treatment and recommended NP as a reference treatment were included in the study. The treatments were laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results show that, in Libokemikem district, the maximum grain yield of 4.9 t ha<sup>-1</sup> was obtained from 200 kg NPSB + 250 kg Urea ha<sup>-1</sup>, while the maximum dry biomass yield of 10.2 t ha<sup>-1</sup> was recorded from 250 kg NPSB + 250 kg Urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. In Fogera district, the maximum grain and biomass yields of 6.1 and 15 t ha<sup>-1</sup>, respectively were obtained from 250 kg NPSB + 200 kg Urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. The partial budget analysis of the pooled data indicate that at Libokemikem district, the maximum net economic return (NER) of Ethiopian birr (Birr) 48,529.70 with marginal rate of return (MRR) of 1284.9% was obtained from 200 kg NPSB + 250 kg urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. At Fogera district, the maximum NER of Birr 62,323.60 with MRR of 959.7% was obtained from 100 kg NPSB + 250 kg urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. However, it is not possible to draw conclusions that the significant yield increment recorded was due to the contribution of S and B blends in the NPSB blended fertilizer. Because, there were confounding effects of N and P nutrients in the NPSB blended fertilizer. As it is revealed in the results, the significant yield response recorded, however, was due to the increasing levels of N. Therefore, we recommend further investigation of the response of NERICA-4 (upland rice) to each nutrient (P, S and B) through nutrient omission studies.

EFFECT OF INPUT USE EFFICIENCY OF RICE PRODUCTION AMONG BENEFICIARIES AND NON-BENEFICIARIES OF ANCHOR BORROWERS’ PROGRAMME IN KADUNA STATE NIGERIA

This study investigates the effect of input use efficiency of rice production among beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries of Central Bank of Nigeria Anchor borrowers’ programme (ABP) in Kaduna State. Multistage sampling procedure include the purposive selection of the three Local Government Areas (LGAs): Kaduna South, Chukun, and Igabi where rice production is prominence in the state; two communities was randomly selected from each of the three selected LGAs to give a total of six selected communities. Finally, 110 each of upland rice farmers who were RIFAN and NON-RIFAN member beneficiaries of ABP were randomly selected from the targeted communities. Descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier model were used in analyzing data collected for the study area. The findings revealed that there were no significant differences between the socio-economic characteristics of both categories of farmers. Findings revealed that beneficiaries of ABP technical efficiency scores ranged from 0.71 and 1.00 with an average of 0.91. The scores for their allocative and economic efficiency ranged from 0.62 - 0.99 and 0.44 - 0.99 with an average of 0.93 and 0.85, respectively. While for the non-beneficiary rice farmer of the ABP, technical efficiency scores ranged from 0.52 and 0.89 with an average of 0.81. The scores for their allocative and economic efficiency ranged from 0.57 – 0.97 and 0.39 - 0.72 with an average of 0.76 and 0.65, respectively. From the finding it can be concluded that the mean technical, allocative and economic efficiencies for of both beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries were below the frontier of one. The three most critical constraints for beneficiary and non-beneficiary were lack and poor extension services, high cost of inputs, and untimeliness of inputs distribution for beneficiary, and insufficient planting seeds for non-beneficiary. It is therefore recommended that government at the federal, state and local government levels should provide adequate extension services to rice farmers and also rice farmers should be encouraged by the extension agents to join and participate in cooperative societies so that Government and NGOs can easily reach out to them through this medium.

Selection Index in Rainfed Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation was conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during the period from May, 2014 to July, 2016. Twenty diverse rice genotypes were screened for drought tolerance. Screening was carried out in the target environment i. e. upland virippu. Morphological characters of the genotypes were studied. A selection index was developed for identifying the best six parents combining yield and drought tolerance. Twenty upland rice genotypes were assessed for study of genetic variability and construction of selection indices for enhancing selection efficiency. The indices were worked out on the basis of yield and eight component characters viz., panicle length, number of spikelets panicle-1, number of filled grains panicle-1, grain weight panicle-1, 1000 grain weight, straw yield plant-1, harvest index and biological yield plant-1 having high significant genotypic correlation with grain yield. Among the twenty genotypes Vaishak ranked first with the highest index value followed by Thottacheera, Kalladiaryan, Vyttila 6, Harsha and Swarnaprabha. The varieties with least index value were Uma, Aathira and Kanchana. The highest index value showing first six parents were considered for hybridization program for the development of drought tolerant variety.

Screening Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria with Antimicrobial Properties for Upland Rice.

This study explores beneficial bacteria isolated from the roots and rhizosphere soil of Khao Rai Leum Pua Phetchabun rice plants. A total of 315 bacterial isolates (KK001 to KK315) were obtained. Plant growth-promoting traits (phosphate solubilization and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production), and antimicrobial activity against three rice pathogens (Curvularia lunata NUF001, Bipolaris oryzae 2464, and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) were assessed. KK074 was the most prolific in IAA production, generating 362.6 ± 28.0 μg/ml, and KK007 excelled in tricalcium phosphate solubilization, achieving 714.2 ± 12.1 μg/ml. In antimicrobial assays using the dual culture method, KK024 and KK281 exhibited strong inhibitory activity against C. lunata, and KK269 was particularly effective against B. oryzae. In the evaluation of antimicrobial metabolite production, KK281 and KK288 exhibited strong antifungal activities in cell-free supernatants. Given the superior performance of KK281, taxonomically identified as Bacillus sp. KK281, it was investigated further. Lipopeptide extracts from KK281 had significant antimicrobial activity against C. lunata and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.1 mg/ml against X. oryzae pv. oryzae. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of surfactin in the lipopeptide extract. The crude extract was non-cytotoxic to the L-929 cell line at tested concentrations. In conclusion, the in vitro plant growth-promoting and disease-controlling attributes of Bacillus sp. KK281 make it a strong candidate for field evaluation to boost plant growth and manage disease in upland rice.

Spikelets Fertility and Quality of Local Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seeds Due to High Temperature at Various Stages

Spikelets Fertility and Quality of Local Upland Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) Seeds Due to High Temperature at Various Stages

Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Shanlan Landrace Rice for GWAS of Cooking and Eating Quality Traits.

The Shanlan landrace rice in Hainan Province, China, is a unique upland rice germplasm that holds significant value as a genetic resource for rice breeding. However, its genetic diversity and its usefulness in rice breeding have not been fully explored. In this study, a total of eighty-four Shanlan rice, three typical japonica rice cultivars, and three typical indica rice cultivars were subjected to resequencing of their genomes. As a result, 11.2 million high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 1.6 million insertion/deletions (InDels) were detected. Population structure analysis showed all the rice accessions could be divided into three main groups, i.e., Geng/japonica 1 (GJ1), GJ2, and Xian/indica (XI). However, the GJ1 group only had seven accessions including three typical japonica cultivars, indicating that most Shanlan landrace rice are different from the modern japonica rice. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first three principal components explained 60.7% of the genetic variation. Wide genetic diversity in starch physicochemical parameters, such as apparent amylose content (AAC), pasting viscosity, texture properties, thermal properties, and retrogradation representing the cooking and eating quality was also revealed among all accessions. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) for these traits was conducted and identified 32 marker trait associations in the entire population. Notably, the well-known gene Waxy (Wx) was identified for AAC, breakdown viscosity, and gumminess of the gel texture, and SSIIa was identified for percentage of retrogradation and peak gelatinization temperature. Upon further analysis of nucleotide diversity in Wx, six different alleles, wx, Wxa, Wxb, Wxin, Wxla/mw, and Wxlv in Shanlan landrace rice were identified, indicating rich gene resources in Shanlan rice for quality rice breeding. These findings are expected to contribute to the development of new rice with premium quality.

First report of Pyricularia oryzae the cause of blast disease in upland rice, in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a maincrop cultivated by farmers in Indonesia. The demand for rice has increased, but rice production has decreased due to attacks by plant pests, including pathogen blast disease. This research aims to (i) determine the symptoms of blast disease in upland rice in Lombok, (ii) determine the incidence of blast disease in upland rice in Lombok, (iii) and identify the pathogen that causes blast disease in upland rice in Lombok. The research was conducted in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. A sampling of rice crop tissue infected by blast disease was taken from 50 dryland locations in Lombok West Nusa Tenggara. From each point, three samples of rice crops with blast symptoms were taken to obtain 150 samples. Samples are then isolated and identified at the macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular levels. The study results showed that the macroscopic characteristics of rice leaves were rhombus-shaped and brown, and the pathogen produced white mycelium with a fine structure. In contrast, microscopic characteristics showed that the shape of the hyphae was septate, the structure of conidiophore with autophagic cell death, long pyriform microconidia, and long pyriform macroconidia. Based on 18S rRNA gene analysis, the Blast Lombok isolate had a DNA fragment of ±550bp. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the cause of blast disease in upland rice in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, is P. oryzae.

Cost and returns analysis of upland and lowland rice production among farmers in North Central Nigeria

Sustainability of the rice production and farmers’ income in Nigeria raises a serious concern due to the rising costs of production inputs and other factors beyond farmers’ control. As a result, the study compared the cost and returns of rice production in North central, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 387 rice farmers in the study area. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and seeming unrelated regression were used to analyze the dataset collected. The findings revealed that most of the rice farmers were male, averagely young and have at least 9 family members in their respectively households. Results from Kwara State showed that total cost is higher among the upland rice farmers compared to their lowland counterparts, but reverse was the case in term of net profit, as this favoured the lowland rice farmers. For Niger State and pooled data, the lowland rice farmers had higher net profit than the upland rice farmers. Seemingly unrelated regression estimates indicated that costs associated with fertilizer, herbicide, seed, pesticide and labour used were significant and influencing factors affecting the revenue of rice farmers in the study area. While inaccessibility to cheap farm inputs was the major constraint affecting the rice farmers, other challenges include lack of storage, inadequate rainfall and inadequate credit facilities. The study recommended seamless access to improved rice varieties by the farmers as this can scale up adoption of improved technologies, boost production and ultimately the net revenue of rice farmers. Farmers are also advised to join and/or form a registered occupational groups through which credit facilities can easily be accessed, to expand the farming operations because of the positive and complementary role of social group and access to credit.

Pembelajaran Aplikasi Pengukur Kandungan Klorofil pada Daun Tanaman Padi: Oryza sativa L.

Rice is a staple food in Indonesia, so the demand continues to increase along with the population growth. Rice cultivation in Indonesia is known for two planting systems, namely wetland rice which requires water and upland rice which is planted in fields without requiring special irrigation. Several regions in Indonesia have almost extinct upland rice varieties, such as the Fakhaito variety or black rice from Nias Regency, with a plant age of up to six months until harvest. Upland rice productivity is very low, affecting farmers' income, accompanied by suboptimal fertilization technology. This research aims to provide learning to students in using the SPAD-502Plus chlorophyll meter to detect the growth and health of upland rice plants from Nias. The results of the study show that treatment with liquid organic fertilizer correlates positively with leaf color, where the amount of chlorophyll is higher in the very green leaves of rice, and conversely the amount of chlorophyll decreases in plants with reduced greenness. The use of the SPAD-502Plus chlorophyll meter is a faster, non-destructive, comfortable, and non-disruptive way to measure plant growth, as the measurement is done directly.

RESILIENCE OF FARMERS ON THE SUSTAINABILITY OF NATURAL FARMING SYSTEMS FOR UPLAND RICE IN MOROTAI ISLAND

Objective: Sustainable agricultural development necessitates that every region of the world discovers or develops farming practices and systems suited to the local environment. Additionally, initiators encourage the adoption and spread of more sustainable agriculture methods. This study aimed to determine: 1) the resilience of farmers concerning the principles of natural farming methods for upland rice to the level of economic sustainability, 2) the resilience of farmers concerning the principles of natural farming systems for upland rice to the level of socio-cultural sustainability, 3) the resilience of farmers concerning the principles of natural farming systems for upland rice to the level of environmental sustainability, 4) the willingness of farmers to retain the economic viability of the natural farming system of upland rice, 5) the willingness of farmers to retain the environmental viability of the natural farming system of upland rice, and 6) the willingness of farmers to preserve the socio-cultural sustainability of the natural farming system of upland rice. Method: This research was conducted on Morotai Island, North Maluku Province. The selection of this region was purposive, while the selection of farmers as sample respondents was determined by random sampling. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and LISREL 8.70. Results: According to the research findings, farmers' perceptions of natural farming systems are a determining factor in farmer resilience. This factor has a positive impact on the sustainability of socio-cultural and environmental aspects but does not affect the sustainability of the economic component. Meanwhile, the willingness to maintain natural farming systems is a resilience element for farmers that influences the sustainability of economic and socio-cultural dimensions but not the environmental component. This study concludes that farmer resilience to the principles of natural upland rice farming systems in the border region of Morotai Island has distinct characteristics and is an economically, socio-culturally, and environmentally sustainable agricultural system. Conclusion: This study concludes that the resilience of farmers to the principles of natural upland rice farming systems in the border region of Morotai Island has a distinctive character and is an economically, socioculturally, and environmentally sustainable agricultural system.

Cultivation and dynamic cropping processes impart land-cover heterogeneity within agroecosystems: a metrics-based case study in the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta (USA)

ContextCultivation and crop rotation, influenced by federal policy, prices, and precipitation, are significant sources of land-cover heterogeneity. Characterization of heterogeneity is required to identify areas and trends of stability or change.ObjectivesWe analyzed a land-cover time series within a prominent agroecosystem in the US, the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta (the Delta), as a case study of which metrics capture dynamics of landscape composition, configuration, connectivity, and context.MethodsAn assessment of land cover- from 2008 to 2021- was conducted and analyzed for potential differences among three Farm Bill eras. Twelve out of 23 metrics (including three new ones presented herein) examined were useful in characterizing land-cover heterogeneity.ResultsAlthough there was no increase in cultivated land, > 72% of the Delta experienced changes in land-cover type, and ~ 3% of the Delta was stable monoculture. Configurational metrics varied across years for soybeans, cotton, and rice, indicating prevalence of field-level changes in composition; connectivity metrics revealed isolation of upland forest and rice. The amount of corn was positively associated with the previous year’s commodity prices and negatively with precipitation whereas soybean acreage was lower in high-precipitation years and more dependent on commodity prices. Farm Bill effects were mixed among categories, whereas CRP generally declined.ConclusionsThe Delta experienced land-cover change with no net loss or gain of cultivated lands. Using 12 metrics that captured temporal shifts in spatial patterns, we characterized this agroecosystem as a shifting mosaic. Our approach may be useful for identifying areas of spatio-temporal heterogeneity or stability, with implications on resource management.

Concurrent effect of phosphorus, nanoparticles and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria influences root morphology, soil enzymes and nutrients uptake in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Phosphorus and zinc are important nutrient elements of concern in upland rice production. To determine the suitable combination of phosphorus, nanoparticles (NPs), and bio-fertilizer application as an alternative nutrient management approach in upland rice cultivation, a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) column experiment was conducted under controlled conditions in 2015. The treatments consisted of three phosphorus levels, two foliar sprays of NPs (ZnO and TiO2), and PSB seed treatment. The results indicated that the combined application of P (50 kg ha−1), ZnO NPs (500 ppm), and PSB seed treatment (20 g kg−1) improved the root system architecture traits of rice (total root length: 3.73–6.74%, diameter: 8.57–22.22%, and volume: 3.40–3.70%) at depths of 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm, compared to higher P + TiO2 NPs + no PSB. Consequently, this combination led to an enhancement in photosynthetic leaf area (by 3.3%), tiller numbers (by 7%), and dry matter production (by 35.5%). The favorable root growth resulting from the application of higher P and PSB enhanced zinc uptake by rice grains (by 38.44%) and straw (by 26.99%). Furthermore, the supplemental application of PSB improved the activity of soil enzymes such as dehydrogenase and phosphatase. As a result, maximum phosphorus use efficiency (PUE; 31.5%) was achieved through the combined application of P (50 kg ha−1) × ZnO NPs × PSB. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the beneficial effects of an integrated approach involving phosphorus, PSB, and metal oxides (ZnO NPs) as a fertilizer management strategy to enhance the total biomass and PUE of upland rice.

Karakter Fenotip Malai dan Analisis Fenetik Padi Gogo Lokal Kabupaten Kupang

Panicle is one part of the plant that is very decisive in rice production because it produces grain and rice grains. Each rice variety has its own characteristics including panicle morphological characters. Communities in Kupang Regency are known to still cultivate local upland rice whose panicle character has not been scientifically documented. This study used 5 varieties of local upland rice as a result of exploration from farmers in Kupang Regency which were characterized morphologically by their panicle characters. Characterization data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative and then scored for analysis using Minitab17 software. The results showed that there was a diversity of panicle morphological characters from each local upland rice variety. The differentiating panicle characters of each variety include panicle type, panicle discharge, secondary panicle branches and panicle shaft. The phenetic analysis divided the five local upland rice varieties into two clusters with a similarity index of 79.94%.