Differing responses of root morphology and physiology to nitrogen application rates and their relationships with grain yield in rice

Root morphology and physiology influence aboveground growth and yield formation in rice.However,root morphological and physiological differences among rice varieties with differing nitrogen(N)sensitivities and their relationship with grain yield are still unclear.In this study,rice varieties differing in N sensitivity over many years of experiments were used.A field experiment with multiple N rates(0,90,180,270,and 360 kg ha^(-1))was conducted to elucidate the effects of N application on root morphology,root physiology,and grain yield.A pot experiment with root excision and exogenous application of 6-benzyladenine(6-BA)at heading stage was used to further verify the above effects.The findings revealed that(1)under the same N application rate,N-insensitive varieties(NIV)had relatively large root biomass(root dry weight,length,and number).Grain yield was associated with root biomass in NIV.The oxidation activity and zeatin(Z)+zeatin riboside(ZR)contents in roots obviously and positively correlated with grain yield in N-sensitive varieties(NSV),and accounted for its higher grain yield than that of NIV at lower N application rates(90 and 180 kg ha^(-1)).(2)The root dry weight required for equal grain yield of NIV was greater than that of NSV.Excision of 1/10 and 1/8 of roots at heading stage had no discernible effect on the yield of Liangyoupeijiu(NIV),and it significantly reduced yield by 11.5%and 21.3%in Tianyouhuazhan(NSV),respectively,compared to the treatment without root excision.The decrease of filled kernels and grain weight after root excision was the primary cause for the yield reduction.Root excision and exogenous 6-BA application after root excision had little influence on the root activity of NIV.The oxidation activity and Z+ZR contents in roots of NSV decreased under root excision,and the increase in the proportion of excised roots aggravated these effects.The application of exogenous 6-BA increased the root activity of NSV and increased filled kernels and grain weight,thereby reducing yield loss after root excision.Thus,the root biomass of NIV was large,and there may be a phenomenon of"root growth redundancy."Vigorous root activity was an essential feature of NSV.Selecting rice varieties with high root activity or increasing root activity by cultivation measures could lead to higher grain yield under lower N application rates.

Effects of N Application Rates and NO_3-N to NH_4-N Ratios on Yield and Quality of Flue-cured Tobacco Planted in Black Soil

A field experiment about effects of nitrogen application rates and different NO3-N to NH4-N ratios on agronomic, chemical and biological characteristics as well as yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco grown in a black soil was conducted from 2004 to 2005 in Heilongjiang Province. The results showed that the nitrogen application rates at 45 kg·hm^-2 with the ratio of 75% NO3-N to 25% NH4-N resulted in the highest potassium and reducing sugar contents in the flue-cured tobacco leaving with the highest quality grade and value. It is recommended that this ni- trogen application rate and NO3-N to NH4-N ratio should be widely applied on flue-cured tobacco grown in the black soil in Heilongjiang Province.

Effects of Nitrogen Application Rate and Seeding Density on Plant Growth and Seed Yield of Direct-seeding Rape

[Objectives] This study was conducted to explore the effects of different N application rates and densities on the growth and development of direct-seeding rape as well as on its yield.[Methods] A field experiment was carried out by setting five N fertilizer treatments and three density levels.[Results] Increasing seeding density and N application rate could improve the seed yield of rape. The suitable N application rate for the three densities were calculated using the fitted fertilizer efficiency models, respectively, to be 186.77, 221.35 and 236.14 kg/hm^2, at which the yields were the highest. The results showed that in this area, the seeding density of direct-seeding rape could be selected in the range of 6.0×10^5-7.5×10^5 plants/hm^2, and the suitable N application rate could be in the range of 221.35-236.14 kg/hm^2.[Conclusions] This study provides a theoretical basis for the maximization of spatial resource and efficient utilization of fertilizer.

Ammonia Volatilization and Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency in Response to Urea Application in Rice Fields of the Taihu Lake Region,China

Ammonia volatilization losses, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and rice yields in response to urea application to a rice field were investigated in Wangzhuang Town, Changshu City, Jiangsu Province, China. The N fertilizer treatments, applied in triplicate, were 0 （control）, 100, 200, 300, or 350 kg N ha^-1. After urea was applied to the surface water, a continuous airflow enclosure method was used to measure ammonia volatilization in the paddy field. Total N losses through ammonia volatilization generally increased with the N application rate, and the two higher N application rates （300 and 350 kg N ha^-1） showed a higher ratio of N lost through ammonia volatilization to applied N. Total ammonia loss by ammonia volatilization during the entire rice growth stage ranged from 9.0% to 16.7% of the applied N. Increasing the application rate generally decreased the ratio of N in the seed to N in the plant. For all N treatments, the nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency ranged from 30.9% to 45.9%. Surplus N with the highest N rate resulted in lodging of rice plants, a decreased rate of nitrogen fertilizer utilization, and reduced rice yields. Calculated from this experiment, the most economical N fertilizer application rate was 227 kg ha^-1 for the type of paddy soil in the Taihu Lake region. However, recommending an appropriate N fertilizer application rate such that the plant growth is enhanced and ammonia loss is reduced could improve the N utilization efficiency of rice.

N Accumulation and Translocation in Four Japonica Rice Cultivars at Different N Rates

Developing high-yielding rice(Oryza sativa L.)cultivars depends on having a better understanding of nitrogen(N) accumulation and translocation to the ear during the reproductive stage.Field experiments were carried out to evaluate the genetic variation for N accumulation and translocation in different Japonica rice cultivars at different N rates and to identify any relationship to grain yield in southeast China.Four Japonica cultivars with similar agronomic characteristics were grown at two experimental sites in 2004 with three N rates of 0,60,and 180 kg N ha^(-1).Dry weights and N contents of rice plants were measured at tillering,initiation,anthesis,and maturity.Grain yields exhibited significant differences (P<0.05)among the cultivars and N application rates.Increasing N rates improved N uptake at anthesis and maturity in all four cultivars(P<0.05).N translocation from vegetative organs to the grains increased with enhanced N rates (P<0.05).N translocation to the grains ranged from 9 to 64 kg N ha^(-1)and N-translocation efficiency from 33% to 68%. Grain yield was linear to N uptake at anthesis(r^2=0.78^(**))and N translocation(r^2=0.67^(**)).Thus,cultivars with a high N uptake at anthesis,low residual N in the straw at maturity,and appropriate low N fertilizer supply in southeast China should efficiently increase N-recovery rate while maintaining grain yield and soil fertility.

Effects of plant density and nitrogen rate on cotton yield and nitrogen use in cotton stubble retaining fields

Increasing nitrogen(N)rate could accelerate the decomposition of crop residues,and then improve crop yield by increasing N availability of soil and N uptake of crops.However,it is not clear whether N rate and plant density should be modified after a long period of cotton stubble return with high N rate.This study seeks to assess the effects of N rate and plant density on cotton yield,N use efficiency,leaf senescence,soil inorganic N,and apparent N balance in cotton stubble return fields in Liaocheng,China,in 2016 and 2017.Three plant densities 5.25(D_(5.25)),6.75(D_(6.75))and 8.25(D_(8.25))plants m^(-2) and five N rates 0(N_(0)),105(N_(105)),210(N_(210)),315(N315),and 420(N420)kg ha^(-1) were investigated.Compared to the combination used by local farmers(D_(5.25)N_(315)),a 33.3%N reduction and a 28.6%increase in plant density(D_(6.75)N_(210))can maintain high cotton yield,while a 66.7%N reduction at 6.75 plants m^(-2)(D_(6.75)N_(105))can only achieve high yield in the first year.Biological yield increased with the increase of N rate and plant density,and the highest yield was obtained under 420 kg N ha^(-1) at 8.25 plants m^(-2)(D_(8.25)N_(420))across the two years under investigation.Compared to D5.25N315,N agronomic efficiency(NAE)and N recovery efficiency(NRE)in D_(6.75)N_(210) increased by 30.2 and 54.1%,respectively,and NAE and NRE in D6.75N105 increased by 104.8 and 88.1%,respectively.Soil inorganic N decreased sharply under 105 kg N ha^(-1),but no change was found under 210 kg N ha^(-1) at 6.75 plants m^(-2).N deficit occurred under 105 kg N ha^(-1),but it did not occurr under 210 kg N ha^(-1) at 6.75 plants m^(-2).Net photosynthetic rate and N concentration of leaves under N rate ranging from 210 to 420 kg ha^(-1) were higher than those under N rate of 0 or 105 kg N ha^(-1) at all three densities.The findings suggest that D6.75N210 is a superior combination in cotton stubble retaining fields in the Yellow River Valley and other areas with similar ecologies.

Effects of Density, Fertilizer and Chemical Control on Yield of Japonica Variety 'Tongyoujing 1' and Technology Optimization

The effects of different basic seedlings, N application rates and paclobutrazol measures on the development and yield of Tongyoujing 1 population were studied through the D-saturated optimum regression design tests. The results showed thatthe effects of various factors on yield under the experimental conditions were in order of N application rate basic seedlings paclobutrazol dosage. The increases of basic seedlings and N application rate are beneficial to the increases of population quantity and tiller density, and could improve number of panicles per unit area and increase the population leaf area and accumulated amount of dry matter.However, too-high basic seedlings and N application rate would reduce reproductive tiller percentage and economic coefficient, and prolong growth duration. Proper basic seedlings could coordinate the correlation between tiller density and productive tiller percentage, ensure higher leaf area and dry matter accumulation at filling stage,and improve yield of Tongyoujing 1. According to the multivariate nonlinear regression analysis of yield with various factors, Tongyoujing 1 could reach its maximum yield potential of 12 606.0 kg/hm2 under the basic seedlings of 55.2×104/hm2, N application rate at 339.2 kg/hm2, and paclobutrazol dosage of 97.9 g/hm2. The comprehensive agricultural measures for a yield higher than 11 250 kg/hm2were： basic seedlings 52.6 ×10^4-60.1 ×10^4/hm2, N application rate 328.0-356.1 kg/hm2, and paclobutrazol dosage 87.6-104.6 g/hm2.

Density and Fertilization Optimization for Highyielding Cultivation of a Wheat Variety Heibaoshi 1

The growth period, population tiller dynamics, plant characters, paniclegrain structure, yielding ability and stress resistance of a wheat variety Heibaoshi 1 were studied using a two-factor split plot design to investigate the effects of different density and fertilizer levels on individual development and yield of Heibaoshi 1 in riparian region of Jiangsu Province. In addition, high-yielding agronomic measures were explored through multiple non-linear regression analysis. The results showed that low density was not conducive to the formation of panicles, while high density affected grain number per panicle; low fertilizer level restricted individual development, while high fertilizer level affected grain number per panicle and grain weight and was prone to leading to lodging. Reasonable combination of density and fertilizer could coordinate individual development and balance panicle, grain and weight, thus achieving a high yield. The yield potential was highest （7 384.3 kg/hm2） under density of 239.6×104 basic seedlings/hm2 and N level of 237.7 kg/hm2. When the planting density ranged from 200×104 to 270×104 basic seedlings/hm2 and the N level ranged from 220 to 260 kg/hm2 or the density basic seedling number ranged from 210×104/hm2 to 260×104/hm2 and the N level ranged from 210 to 270 kg/hm2, the yield could exceed 7 200 kg/hm2.

Genotypic Differences in Grain Yield and Physiological Nitrogen Use Efficiency Among Rice Cultivars

Efficient use of N in agricultural practice can increase yield, decrease production costs and reduce the risk of environmental pollution. Effects of N fertilizer application rates on grain yield and physiological N use efficiency (PE) in relation to the accumulation and redistribution of biomass and N in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars were studied at two experimental farms of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China in 2004. Three high N use efficiency (NUE) rice cultivars (Wuyunjing 7, Nanguang and 4007) and one low NUE rice cultivar (Elio) with similar growth patterns were studied under seven N rates (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 kg ha -1 ). Grain yield increased with the N application rate and attained plateau at 180 kg N ha -1 for rice cultivars at each site. Increasing N rate decreased PE for biomass and grain yield. Grain yield and PE of Elio were about 20% and 18% lower than those of high NUE cultivars. Differences in biomass, N accumulation and N redistribution were observed at the post-heading stage among rice cultivars with differing NUEs. The less reproductive tillers of Elio resulted in less demand for C and N during grain filling, thus leading to lower PE of Elio compared with the high NUE rice cultivars.

The fate of fertilizer N applied to cotton in relation to irrigation methods and N dosage in arid area

Quantitative information on the fate and efficiency of nitrogen （N） fertilizer applied to coarse textured calcareous soils in arid farming systems is scarce but, as systems intensify, is essential to support sustainable ag- ronomic management decisions. A mesh house study was undertaken to trace the fate of N fertilizer applied to cotton （Gossypium hirsutum L. cv., Huiyuan701） growing on a reconstructed profile （0-100 cm） of a calcareous （〉15% CaCQ） sandy loam soil. Two irrigation methods （drip irrigation, DI; and furrow irrigation, FI） and four N ap- plication rates （0, 240, 360 and 480 kg/hm2, abbreviated as No, N240, N360, and N480, respectively） were applied. 15N-labelled urea fertilizer was applied in a split application. DI enhanced the biomass of whole plant and all parts of the plant, except for root; more fertilizer N was taken up and mostly stored in vegetative parts; N utilization efficiency （NUE） was significantly greater than in FI. N utilization efficiency （NUE） decreased from 52.59% in N240 to 36.44% in N480. N residue in soil and plant N uptake increased with increased N dosage, but recovery rate decreased consis- tently both in DI and Fl. Plant N uptake and soil N residue were greater in DI than in FI. N residue mainly stayed within 0-40 cm depth in DI but within 40-80 cm depth in Ft. FI showed 17.89% of N leached out, but no N leaching occurred in DI. N recovery rate in the soil-plant system was 75.82% in DI, which was markedly greater than the 55.97% in FI. DI exhibited greater NUE, greater residual N in the soil profile and therefore greater N recovery rate than in FI; also, N distribution in soil profile shallowed in DI, resulting in a reduced risk of N leaching compared to FI; and enhanced shoot growth and reduced root growth in DI is beneficial for more economic yield formation. Com- pared to furrow irrigation, drip irrigation is an irrigation method where N movement favors the prevention of N from being lost in the plant-soil system and benefits a more efficient use of N.

Analysis of Yield Components of Japonica Rice Tong Jing 981 under Different Density and Fertilization Conditions

The yield and yield components of Japonica variety Tongjing 981 under different density and fertilization levels were studied through regression and correlation and path analysis. The results showed that the number of panicles per unit area, number of filled grains per panicle and 1 000-grain weight all had very significant yield increasing effects, and the number of panicles per unit area played a leading role. However, the yield increasing effects of the number of panicles per unit area and number of filled grains per panicle are equally important when the basic seedlings are more or the N fertilizer application rate is large. In practical production, a major factor should be determined among the yield components, and rational cultivation measures should be taken accordingly, to improve yield.

Optimizing Nitrogen Fertilizer Application for Rice Production in the Taihu Lake Region,China

To determine the optimal amount of nitrogen(N) fertilizer for achieving a sustainable rice production at the Taihu Lake region of China,two-year on-farm field experiments were performed at four sites using various N application rates.The results showed that 22%-30% of the applied N was recovered in crop and 7%-31% in soils at the rates of 100-350 kg N ha 1.Nitrogen losses increased with N application rates,from 44% of the applied fertilizer N at the rate of 100 kg N ha 1 to 69% of the N applied at 350 kg N ha 1.Ammonia volatilization and apparent denitrification were the main pathways of N losses.The N application rate of 300 kg N ha 1,which is commonly used by local farmers in the study region,was found to lead to a significant reduction in economic and environmental efficiency.Considering the cost for mitigating environmental pollution and the maximum net economic income,an application rate of 100-150 kg N ha 1 would be recommended.This recommended N application rate could greatly reduce N loss from 199 kg N ha 1 occurring at the N application rate of 300 kg N ha 1 to 80-110 kg N ha 1,with the rice grain yield still reaching 7 300-8 300 kg DW ha 1 in the meantime.

Impacts of Salinity and Nitrogen on the Photosynthetic Rate and Growth of Sunflowers(Helianthus annuus L.)

Understanding the interactions between salinity and fertilizers is of significant importance for enhancing crop yield and fertilizeruse efficiency. In this study a complete block design experiment was performed in the Hetao Irrigation District of Inner Mongolia,China, to evaluate the effects of interactions between soil salinity and nitrogen(N) application rate on sunflower photosynthesis and growth and to determine the optimum N application rate for sunflower growth in the district. Four levels of soil salinity expressed as electrical conductivity(0.33–0.60, 0.60–1.22, 1.2–2.44, and 2.44–3.95 dS m-1) and three application rates of N fertilization(90, 135,and 180 kg ha-1) were applied to 36 micro-plots. Soil salinity inhibited the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, plant height, leaf area, and aboveground dry matter of sunflowers. The intercellular CO2 concentration first decreased and then increased with increasing soil salinity in the seedling stage, and the instantaneous leaf water-use efficiency fluctuated with soil salinity. The stomatal and non-stomatal limitations of sunflowers alternated in the seedling stage; however, in the bud, blooming,and mature stages, the stomatal limitation was prevalent when the salinity level was lower than 2.44 dS m-1, whereas the nonstomatal limitation was predominant above the salinity level. The application of N fertilizer alleviated the adverse effects of salinity on sunflower photosynthesis and growth to some extent. During some key growth periods, such as the seedling and bud stages, a moderate N application rate(135 kg ha-1) resulted in the maximum photosynthetic rate and yielded the maximum dry matter. We suggest a moderate N application rate(135 kg ha-1) for the Hetao Irrigation District and other sunflower-growing areas with similar ecological conditions.