Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Maga-Pouss Rice Fields (Far-North Region, Cameroon) and Transfer to Rice Grains

Monitoring of heavy metals contamination of agricultural products and their transfer and bioaccumulation in crops like rice has become a hot topic worldwide over the last two decades. The present study was carried out to determine the accumulation of heavy metals in rice fields and their transfer to rice grains. Soil, irrigation water and rice grains samples were gathered in Maga-Pouss, Far-North, Cameroon. Concentrations of six heavy metals (lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, iron and mercury) were evaluated by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Mercury was not detected in this study. Average concentrations of metals were in this order (in mg/kg): Fe (188.60 ± 97.06) > Pb (63.63 ± 7.11) > Cd (2.59 ± 0.29) > Zn (1.10 ± 1.05) > Cu (0.80 ± 0.73) in water and Pb (105.50 ± 31.11) > Fe (105.50 ± 31.11) > Cu (45.93 ± 14.39) > Zn (22.52 ± 6.40) > Cd (3.15 ± 0.49) in soil. Water in Maga-Pouss rice fields appears to be more harmful than the soil, notably for lead, cadmium and copper. In rice grains, heavy metals were found in this order (mg/kg): Fe (188.01 ± 82.62) > Cu (27.20 ± 0.00) > Zn (23.61 ± 12.42) > Pb (19.50 ± 19.91) > Cd (2.02 ± 1.05). The mean bioconcentration factor (BCF) of metals from soil to rice grains was in the following order: Fe (2.60) > Zn (1.05) > Cd (0.64) > Cu (0.59) > Pb (0.18). From water to rice grains, the order is: Cu (37.26) > Zn (22.49) > Cd (6.97) > Pb (2.74) > Fe (1.94). Rice field pH and electrical conductivity favored the uptake of lead, copper and cadmium by rice grains. The findings of this study will be good documentation for risk assessment, and decision-making by environmental managers in this region.

Estimate of CH_4 Emissions from Year-Round Flooded Rice Fields During Rice Growing Season in China

A special kind of rice field exists in China that is flooded year-round. These rice fields have substantially large CH4 emissions during the rice-growing season and emit CH4 continuously in the non-rice growing season. CH4 emission factors were used to estimate the CH4 emissions from year-round flooded rice fields during the rice-growing season in China. The CH4 emissions for the year-round flooded rice fields in China for the rice growing season over a total area of 2.66 Mha were estimated to be 2.44 Tg CH…

Phosphorus Concentration and Forms in Surface and Subsurface Drainage Water from Wetland Rice Fields in the Shaoxing Plain

Phosphorus (P) is the limiting factor for eutrophication in most freshwater ecosystems. In China, Ptransported from intensively cultivated land has been reported as an important source of P in surface waters.In this study, we investigated P concentration and forms in surface and subsurface drainage from wetland ricefields in the Shaoxing plain, Zhejiang Province, China. From selected rice fields, surface drainage sampleswere collected at rice-growing, non-growing and fertilization periods, and subsurface drainage samples atdrought and rewetting (irrigation or precipitation after 5～10 d drought period in the surface soils) and wet(drainage under long-term wet soil condition) periods. Water samples were characterized for their totalreactive P (TRP), dissolved reactive P (DRP) and particulate reactive P (PRP). Concentrations of the TRPand DRP in the surface drainage ranged from 0.08 to 1.50 and 0.06 to 1.27 mg L-1, respectively. The TRPand DRP were dependent on field operation activities, and decreased in the order of fertilization period ＞rice-growing period ＞ non-growing period. Phosphorus concentration of runoff receiving P fertilizer can bean environmental concern. The PRP concentration in the surface drainage, ranging from 0.01 to 0.57 mgL-1, accounted for 8%～78% of the TRP. Concentration of the TRP in the subsurface drainage was from0.026 to 0.090 mg L-1, consisting of 29%～90 % of the DRP and 10%～71% of the PRP. In the droughtand rewetting period, the PRP accounted for, on average, 63% of the TRP, much higher than in the wetperiod (23%), suggesting that there was transport of P in preferential flow during drainage events after ashort-term drought period in the surface soils. Therefore, P losses in particulate form may be importantin the subsurface drainage from rice fields when surface soils form cracks and favor rapid flow downwardthrough the soil profiles, suggesting the important role of water-dispersible colloid particles in mediating andco-transporting P in the subsurface drainage of rice fields.

Model for Methane Emission from Rice Fields and Its Application in Southern China

A process model has been developed. The model has been used to calculate the methane emission from rice fields. The influence of climate conditions, field water management, organic fertilizers and soil types on methane emission from rice fields are considered. There are three major segments which are highly interactive in nature in the model:rice growth, decomposition of soil organic matter and methane production, transport efficiency and methane emission rate. Explicit equations for modeling each segment mentioned above are given. The main results of the model are: 1. The seasonal variation of methane emission of the model output agrees with that of field experiments. The deviation of seasonal average methane emission rate between modeled value and experimental data is about 10%. 2. In the whole rice growing period, model output is similar to experimental data in the seasonal variation of transport ability of rice plant. 3. Soil organic matter content and soil physics and chemistry are major factors that determine the total season average emission rate, while soil temperature controls the temporal variation of methane emission from rice fields.

Effects of Exogenous 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and 24-Epibrassinolide on Cd Accumulation in Rice from Cd-Contaminated Soil

High grain-Cd-accumulating rice variety Yongyou 9 was planted in Cd-contaminated farmland in Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China to study the effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid(ALA) and24-epibrassinolide(EBR) on Cd accumulation in brown rice. Results showed that the exogenous ALA and EBR had no significant effects on agronomic traits, soil pH and total Cd content in soil, but had some effects on the available Cd content in soil, and significantly influenced the Cd accumulation in the different parts of rice. Results also showed that 100 mg/L exogenous ALA significantly reduced the Cd accumulation in brown rice to blow the food safety standard(0.2 mg/kg), and also significantly reduced the Cd contents in the roots and culm of rice. However, 200 mg/L exogenous ALA treatment increased the Cd content in brown rice remarkably. In addition, 0.15 mg/L EBR treatment increased Cd accumulation in roots, culm, leaves and brown rice notably, whereas 0.30 mg/L exogenous EBR treatment reduced the Cd accumulation in brown rice properly, but it was not significant. Therefore,proper concentration of ALA can effectively reduce the Cd accumulation in brown rice, which can be used as an effective technical method for the safe production of rice in Cd polluted farmland.

Control Efficiency and Crop Safety of 20% Cyhalofop-butyl WP on Grass Weeds in Direct Seeded Rice Fields

The purpose was to define the control efficiency and safety of 20% cy- halofop-butyl WP on grass weeds in direct seeded rice fields, in order to provide the basis for chemical weeding. This study measured Leptochloa chinensis（L.） Nees, Echinoch/oa crusgalli （L.） Beauv and other gramineous weed control efficiency with four concentrations of 20% cyhalofop-dutyl WP and 100 g/L cyhalofop-dutyl EC in direct seeded rice fields, and analyzed the yield-increasing effect and safety of rice. The results showed that 20% cyhalofop-butyl WP had a good control efficiency on grass weeds such as Leptochloa chinensis（L.） Nees, Echinoch/oa crusgalli（L.） Beauv and other grasses. The effective dosage of 90-150 g/hm2 was over 90.7% on Lep- foch/oa chinensis（L.） Nees and the comprehensive control effect of the grass weeds was above 86.7%, which was basically consistent with 100 g/L cyhalofop-dutyl EC. Furthermore, 20% cyhalofop-dutyl WP was high security for direct seeded rice fields. The yield of rice was increased by 10.18%-11.22% after spraying herbicide. There- fore, 20% of cyhalofop-dutyl WP can be used as a special herbicide for controlling Leptochloa chinensis（L.） Beauv in direct seeded rice fields, and has a good applica- tion prospect.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Northeast China Rice Fields in Fallow Season

CH4, N2O and CO2 emissions from northeast Chinese rice fields were measured in the fallow season （November to March） to investigate the effects of freezing-thawing on the emissions. Both CH4 emission from and atmospheric CH4 oxidation by the soil occurred, but the flux was small. During the fallow season, rice fields acted as a minor source of atmospheric CH4, which accounted for about 1% of the CH4 emission during the rice growing period. The field was also a substantial source of atmospheric N20, which ranged between 40 to 77 mg m-2 and eu=counted for 40%-50% of the annual N20 emission. The largest N20 flux was observed in the thawing period during the fallow season. Laboratory incubation tests showed that the largest N20 flux came from the release of N20 trapped in frozen soil. Tillage and rice straw application （either mulched on the soil surface or incorporated in the soil） stimulated the CH4 and CO2 emissions during the fallow season, but only straw application stimulated N2O emission substantially.

Effects of nitrogen application rate and hill density on rice yield and nitrogen utilization in sodic saline–alkaline paddy fields

Soil salinity and alkalinity can inhibit crop growth and reduce yield,and this has become a global environmental concern.Combined changes in nitrogen (N) application and hill density can improve rice yields in sodic saline–alkaline paddy fields and protect the environment.We investigated the interactive effects of N application rate and hill density on rice yield and N accumulation,translocation and utilization in two field experiments during 2018 and 2019 in sodic saline–alkaline paddy fields.Five N application rates (0 (control),90,120,150,and 180 kg N ha^(-1) (N0–N4),respectively) and three hill densities(achieved by altering the distance between hills,in rows spaced 30 cm apart:16.5 cm (D1),13.3 cm (D2) and 10 cm (D3))were utilized in a split-plot design with three replicates.Nitrogen application rate and hill density significantly affected grain yield.The mathematical model of quadratic saturated D-optimal design showed that with an N application rate in the range of 0–180 kg N ha^(-1),the highest yield was obtained at 142.61 kg N ha^(-1) which matched with a planting density of 33.3×10^(4) ha^(-1).Higher grain yield was mainly attributed to the increase in panicles m^(–2).Nitrogen application rate and hill density significantly affected N accumulation in the aboveground parts of rice plants and showed a highly significant positive correlation with grain yield at maturity.From full heading to maturity,the average N loss rate of the aboveground parts of rice plants in N4 was 70.21% higher than that of N3.This is one of the reasons why the yield of N4 treatment is lower than that of the N3 treatment.Nitrogen accumulation rates in the aboveground parts under treatment N3 (150 kg N ha^(-1)) were 81.68 and 106.07% higher in 2018 and 2019,respectively,than those in the control.The N translocation and N translocation contribution rates increased with the increase in the N application rate and hill density,whereas N productivity of dry matter and grain first increased and then decreased with the increase in N application rate and hill density.Agronomic N-use efficiency decreased with an increase in N application rate,whereas hill density did not significantly affect it.Nitrogen productivity of dry matter and grain,and agronomic N-use efficiency,were negatively correlated with grain yield.Thus,rice yield in sodic saline–alkaline paddy fields can be improved by combined changes in the N application rate and hill density to promote aboveground N accumulation.Our study provides novel evidence regarding optimal N application rates and hill densities for sodic saline–alkaline rice paddies.

ESTIMATE OF METHANE EMISSIONS FROM RICE FIELDS IN CHINA BY CLIMATE-BASED NET PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY

Rice fields provide food for over half of the world population but are also an important source of atmospheric CH(4). Using the climate-based GIS empirical model and the meteorological data collected from 600 meteorological stations in China, with county as the basic unit, the net primary productivity (NPP) of rice fields in China in 1990, 1995, 1998, and 2000 were estimated to be in the range from 202.19x10(12)g C in 1990 to 163.46x10(12)g C in 2000. From the measured data of the factors affecting CH(4) emission and NPP, the conversion ratio of the NPP into CH(4) emission for the rice fields of China was determined to be 1.8%. Using this ratio and estimated NPP, the CH(4) emissions from rice fields of China in 1990, 1995, 1998, and 2000 were estimated to be 7.24x10(12), 6.31x10(12), 6.77x10(12) and 5.85x10(12)g CH(4), respectively.

Assessment of rice fields by GIS／GPS-supported classification of MODIS data

The new Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite image offers a large choice of opportunities for operational applications. The 1-km Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) image is not suitable for retrieval of field level parameter and Landsat data are not frequent enough for monitoring changes in crop parameters during the critical crop growth periods.A methodology to map areas of paddy fields using MODIS,geographic information system (GIS) and global position system (GPS) is introduced in this paper. Training samples are selected and located with the help of GPS to provide maximal accuracy.A concept of assessing areas of potential cultivation of rice is suggested by means of GIS integration. By integration of MODIS with GIS and GPS technologies the actual areas of rice fields in 2002 have been mapped. The classification accuracy was 95.7% percent compared with the statistical data of the Agricultural Bureau of Zhejiang Province.

Production Benefits of Double-Cropping Rice Under Optimized Application of Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilizers Combined with Chinese Milk Vetch and Straw Co-Returning to Fields

In order to explore the technology and effects of reducing nitrogen and potassium fertilizer applications in double-cropping rice,a field plot experiment was conducted to study the effects of optimized application of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers combined with returning Chinese milk vetch and straw to fields on yield,fertilizer utilization efficiency,net photosynthetic rate(Pn),stomatal conductance(Gs),intercellular CO_(2) concentration(Ci),chlorophyll content(SPAD value)and soil physical and chemical properties in late rice harvest period.The results showed that the optimized application of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers combined with the integrated technology of Chinese milk vetch and straw co-returning to the field could enhance the photosynthetic efficiency of double-cropping rice,increase rice yield,and enhance soil biological activity,especially T4 treatment involving the returning of Chinese milk vetch and straw to the field instead of 30%nitrogen fertilizer achieved the highest rice yield,fertilizer use efficiency,net photosynthetic rate and soil biological activity.Compared with the conventional fertilization treatment T2,the total rice yield of T4 treatment increased by 4.1%,among which the early rice and late rice increased by 6.3%and 2.4%,respectively;Pn,Gs and SPAD values of flag leaves at full heading stage significantly increased,and the contents of soil active organic carbon,alkali hydrolyzed nitrogen,available phosphorus and readily available potassium significantly increased.

Effects of 4 Types of Remediation Agents on Reducing Cd Contents in Soil and Rice on Cd-contaminated Farmland

A field experiment was carried out in Cd-contaminated rice fields in a county of Hengyang to explore the effects of different types of remediation agents on the contents of soil available Cd and rice Cd,and rice yield by using one rice variety Longliangyouhuazhan,and 4 kinds of remediation agents:DG foliar control agent,SMA microbial inoculant,XFJ organic fertilizer and LXM calcium-and silicon-based passivator as test materials.The results showed that compared with CK,after applying DG foliar control agent,soil available Cd content increased rather than decreased,whereas rice Cd content decreased,not reaching a significant level.When applied with SMA microbial inoculant,soil pH value,soil available Cd and rice Cd contents showed a downward then upward trend with the increase of its application rates.Between 3 levels of SMA treatments,the content of soil available Cd in SMA2 was the lowest,decreased by 8.59%in comparison with CK,contrarily,two other SMA treatments were increasing instead of decreasing in the content of soil available Cd.The application of XFJ organic fertilizer and LXM calcium-and silicon-based passivator increased soil pH value,and reduced soil available Cd and rice Cd contents;the contents of soil available Cd and rice Cd decreased with their application rates increasing.Compared with CK,XFJ3 reduced soil available Cd content by 9.40%,and significantly reduced rice Cd content by 57.28%.In LXM3 treatment,soil available Cd content reduced by 14.57%,rice Cd content was 71.57%lower than CK,reaching the lowest level.In general,LXM calcium-and silicon-based passivator had the best Cd reduction effect,with the optimal application amount of 6000 kg/hm^(2).

Research on Greenhouse Gases Emission in Rice Fields at County Level

[ Objective] The study aimed to analyze greenhouse gases emission in rice fields at county level. [ Method] Based on GIS platform of soil system and greenhouse gas emission model, CH4 and N20 emission in rice fields of Chaohu City during 1990 -2009 were studied by using rice yield, fertilizer, climate and other data. [ Result] From 1990 to 2009, annual emission of CH4 emission in rice fields of Chaohu City varied from 6.47 to 11.67 Gg, and rice area, yield and the rate of straw returning to fields were the main factors influencing CH4 emission. For instance, when the rate of straw returning to fields rose to 30% and 45% respectively, CH4 emission increased by 14.4% and 27.4% separately. Annual emission of N20 in rice fields of Chaohu City from 1990 to 2009 was 0.119 -0.217 Gg. N20 emission rose slowly during 1990 -1998, then it enhanced fast and greatly as the rapid increase of chemical fertilizer and manure in their application after 1998; it reached the maximum value in 2000, then showed a decreasing trend after 2000. Thus, controlling nitrogen input and improving the utilization rate of nitrogenous fertilizer were the fundamental ways to decrease N20 emission in rice fields. [ Conclusion] The research could provide scientific references for the establishment of measures to reduce greenhouse gases emission in rice fields.

Chemical Weeding in Dry Direct Seeding Fields of Single Cropping Middlelate Rice

Chemical weeding in dry direct seeding fields of single cropping middle-late rice was studied in Huida vegetable farm of Huizhou City in 2012. The main treatment was herbicide（ pretilachlor ＋ bensulfuron-methyl,Yangguo and butachlor）,and the sub-treatment was application method（ soil treatments,seedling treatment and integrated treatment）. The results showed that 80 g pretilachlor ＋ bensulfuron-methyl（ 36% pretilachlor ＋ 4% bensulfuron-methyl） diluted with 50 kg water could be sprayed or 200 g Yangguo（ 23. 9% butachlor ＋ 1. 1% bensulfuron-methyl） mixed with 15 kg sandy soil could be broadcasted per 667 m2 on the sowing day or the second day under moist condition of soil,which could effectively control weeds in dry direct seeding fields of single cropping middle-late rice.

Notable effects on comprehensive techniques of man-made biosphere in rice fields

Studied by Mr. LIU Zhongzhu, ex Chairman of Fujian Academy of Agri Sciences, a combined technique of man—made biosphere in rice fields deserves notice. The research indicated that using man—made biosphere in rice fields can enrich soil, reduce the infects of diseases, insects and weeds, economize the use of pesticide and herbicide, decrease green house effect, and improve atmosphere. As tested, the yield for rice is usually 10500—12000 kg/ha, for fish is usually 2250—3250 kg/ha. Again, about 50%—60% fertilizer and 30%—50% pesticide can be saved. The net income increased $ 1,080—1,800 per ha.

The Program of Fish Culture in rice fields has been developed in Zhejiang Province

1996 is the first year for realizing the object of fish culture in 66,600 ha of rice field in Zhejiang Province. The provincial government has appropriated $ 24,000 per ha for starting capital. Starting from this year, counties with the tradition of fish culture in rice fields as Youngjia and Qingtian have put stress on popularizing the new technique of fish culture in ditches and puddles to raise the yield for per unit area. In areas of Central Zhejiang and North Zhejiang with hilly land and plain area with double—season rice, people have changed traditional fish varieties into special and excellent fish varieties.

The Effect of Three New Fungicides against Rice Sheath Blight in Field Experiment

[Objective] The aim was to study the effect of three new fungicides against rice sheath blight in field experiment. [Methods] The experiment set up 7 treatments with three times of repetition and designed by random grouping. By using 5 sampling points in each plot, and investigating continuous 4 holes of each point, total plants, diseased plants and disease degrees were recorded. Then disease index and control efficiency were calculated, and variance analysis was carried out. [Results] 300 or 450 ml/hm^2 azoxystrobin ＋ difenoconazole 325 g/L SC had better control efficiency to rice sheath blight and had no phytotoxicity effect, we should use it at the initial disease stage and continuously spray 2-3 times. [Conclusion] The experiment provided a theoretical basis for controlling rice sheath blight using fungicides.

Nitrogen Losses from Flooded Rice Field

A field microplot experiment was conducted during the tillering stage of paddy rice to investigate nitrogen(N) Iosses from flooded rice fields following fertilizer application. After application of ammonium bicarbonate,most of nitrogen in the floodwater was present as NH4-N and its concentration varied widely with time.Concentrations of both NO3-N and NO2-N in the floodwater were low due to the weakened nitrification.Under flooded anaerobic reducing conditions, soil solution concentrations of NO3-N and NH4-N were nothigh, ranging from 0.6 mg L-1 to 4.8 mg L-1, and decreased with soil depth. However, the groundwater wasstill contaminated with NO3-N and NH4-N. Rainfall simulation tests showed that the N losses via runoff inrice fields were closely related to the time intervals between fertilizer applications and rainfall events. Whena large rain fell for a short period after fertilizer application, the N losses via runoff could be large, whichcould have a considerable effect on surface water quality. Both irrigation and N fertilizer application mustbe controlled and managed with great care to minimize N losses via runoff from agricultural land.

Effects of cracks and some key factors on emissions of nitrous oxide in paddy fields

Paddy field is a primary agricultural landscape in the south of China and is often regarded as one of main sources emitting nitrous oxide to atmosphere. The nitrous oxide emissions under a variety of paddy field practices, such as fertilization, flooding/draining management were investigated to study on agricultural activities on paddy field affect the dynamic process of the emission. Under no addition of fertilizers the average emission flux of nitrous oxide was 8 55 μg/(m 2·h) during the rice( Oryza Sativa L.) growth season. The results indicated that most of nitrous oxide emissions occurred during the crack forming and expansion period when paddy field was being drained. The diurnal emissions peak of nitrous oxide appeared at 20∶30 at night in cracked rice fields. The statistical analysis suggested that the correlation of nitrous oxide emissions flux( Y ) with soil water content( X 1), soil temperature( X 2), and E h( X 3), could be described in a regression equation: Y =-1498 95+2895 48 X 1+50 63 X 2-96 99 X 1· X 2+0 006 X 2· X 3 There were the different power equations to simulate the correlations between the everyday dynamic N 2O emissions and the mean surface area of cracks, mean volume and depth of cracks respectively during paddy soil drying by soil columns incubation experiments. Taken all together, the current study presented a dynamic analysis of nitrous oxide emission of paddy field under various conditions, therefore provided a basis for the management to balance between environmental effect and paddy field activities.

Field effect of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis granulovirus (CnmeGV) on the pest of rice leaffolder

Rice leaffolder,Cnaphalocrocis medinalis(Guenée),has become a major pest throughout the rice cultivating areas of China and caused severe damage to rice production.Cnaphalocrocis medinalis granulovirus(CnmeGV),a naturally occurring baculovirus,is revealed as a potential microbial agent for the pest control.Field applications of CnmeGV were conducted against rice leaffolder larvae in rice paddies.CnmeGV infected the larvae not only in the current generation but also in the successive generation,resulting in a sustained infection in the larva population for at least 48 days.Under diferent concentrations of CnmeGV(7.5×1011 and 1.125×1012 occlusion body(OB)ha-1)at 30 days after spraying,larval population reduced up to 76.32%and rice leaf rolled rate kept in 15.42%.Simultaneously,CnmeGV had no impact on arthropod predators of C.medinalis,with abundances ranging from 2.39 to 3.79 per ten hills.These results revealed that CnmeGV is suitable as a bio-pesticide for rice leaffolder management in rice paddies.