Effects of zeolite application on grain yield, water use and nitrogen uptake of rice under alternate wetting and drying irrigation
The research paper presents a study conducted over two years to evaluate the impact of zeolite application and different irrigation regimes on rice production, specifically focusing on grain yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and nitrogen uptake. The study was motivated by the increasing scarcity of water resources and the need to enhance rice production to meet the demands of a growing population.
The researchers conducted a lysimetric experiment with two zeolite treatments (Z0: 0 t/hm² and Z1: 15 t/hm²) and three irrigation regimes (W0: continuous flooding, W1: energy-controlled irrigation, and W2: alternate wetting and drying). The results indicated that zeolite application significantly improved grain yield, total nitrogen uptake, and WUE, although it had a negligible effect on the total amount of irrigation water used. Specifically, W1 irrigation maintained grain yield comparable to W0 while reducing water use, whereas W2 resulted in a significant decline in yield.
Correlation analysis revealed that grain yield was positively correlated with effective panicles, spikelets per panicle, water consumption, and total nitrogen uptake. The study concluded that combining zeolite application with energy-controlled irrigation (W1) is beneficial for farmers, as it reduces irrigation water while enhancing grain yield on clay loam soil.
This research paper is significant in the field of agricultural water management and crop production, particularly in rice cultivation, which is critical for food security in many regions. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about sustainable agricultural practices, especially in the context of water scarcity. By demonstrating the effectiveness of zeolite as a soil amendment in conjunction with innovative irrigation techniques, the study provides practical recommendations for improving water use efficiency and nitrogen management in rice production. This research offers valuable insights for farmers, agronomists, and policymakers aiming to enhance crop yields while conserving water resources.
