Management practice to optimize wheat yield and water use in changing climate

ABSTRACT

Field experiments for six seasons (2008–2013) for present time slice (PTS; 2008–2013) and simulation studies for mid-century (MC; 2021–2050) were carried out to assess different planting dates, varieties and irrigation schedules in addressing the impact of climate change on grain yield and water use efficiency (WUE) in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). During field experimentation, WUE (averaged over other treatment) was unaffected by planting date; however, it was 6% higher in late variety (V₁) than early variety (V₂). Simulation study suggested that in MC, increase in maximum and minimum temperatures compared to PTS would reduce wheat yield by 17–27%. In MC, WUE would be reduced by 14.8% due to shortening of crop duration (1–11 days). The reduction in WUE could be ascribed to relatively more reduction in yield (22%) than evapotranspiration (ET) (4%). The WUE in MC3 (2041–2050) was relatively more than MC1 (2021–2030) and MC2 (2031–2040) due to more yield and less ET. Delaying planting date of wheat crop by 15–30 days in this region emerged as the best adaptation measure to tackle climate change impact for sustaining yield and having higher WUE in MC.     

Compositional,Physical, and Wet‐Milling Properties of Accessions Used in Germplasm Enhancement of Maize Project

Forty‐nine accessions used in the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project, two commercial hybrids (Pioneer Brand Hybrids 3394 and 3489), and two Corn Belt inbreds (B73 and Mo17) were evaluated for compositional, physical, and wet‐milling properties. GEM accessions had lower starch contents (65.9–69.1% vs. a mean of 72.2% for the commercial hybrids) and greater protein contents (12.0–14.4% vs. a mean of 8.2% for the commercial hybrids) than did the improved Corn Belt material. Absolute densities were consistently higher for the GEM accessions compared with the commercial hybrids (1.320 vs. 1.265 g/cm³, respectively). The wet‐milling characteristics of the GEM accessions were not nearly as good as for the commercial hybrids. Mean starch yields were only 54.3% for the GEM accessions versus 64.8% for the commercial hybrids. Residual protein levels in the starches recovered from the GEM accessions were much greater (0.45–2.03%) than for commercial corn hybrids (<0.3%).     

Sugarcane by-products used as soil amendments on a sandy soil: Effects on sugarcane crop nutrition and yield

Agricultural by-products applied as soil amendments have the potential to improve crop production on low organic matter (OM) soils. This two-year study investigated the use of two readily available sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) milling by-products, mill mud, and mill ash, as soil amendments to improve first sugarcane crop (plant cane) and subsequent crop (first ratoon) grown on a sandy Spodosol. Sugarcane was grown in lysimeters receiving mill mud, mill ash, and a 50:50 (v:v) mill mud to mill ash mix. Amendments were applied at low, medium, and high application rates (5, 10, and 15 cm depths, respectively) and then incorporated 30 cm deep. Amendment effects on plant nutrition, soil characteristics, and crop yield were determined. High rate applied mill mud and mill ash had the highest soil OM content for both years and soil OM did not significantly change between crops for all treatments except for high rate mill mud, which increased the second year (ratoon crop). Leaf nutrient levels for nitrogen (N), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) for all treatments both years were insufficient; nutrient levels for magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), and silicon (Si) were within marginal to sufficient range for all treatments both years. All amendments produced significantly higher biomass and sucrose yields for plant cane and first ratoon crops compared to the control. Mill ash treatments produced the greatest increase in sucrose and biomass yields from plant cane to ratoon crops, which corresponded with an increase in potassium (K) in leaf tissue. However, mid and high rates of mix produced the highest sugarcane biomass and sucrose yields for the both the plant cane and ratoon crops.     

Investigation of soil compaction on yield and agronomic traits of wheat under saline and non-saline soils

Inappropriate crop management and long-term use of heavy agricultural equipment can lead to soil compaction. On the other hand, soil and water salinity causes reduction in the plant yield in addition to adverse effects on plants tolerance to the various stresses. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between soil compaction and salinity on the macronutrients uptake and wheat yield as well as its agronomic traits. The pot experiment was carried out on the loamy soil in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of two salinity types (saline, EC = 6 dS/m and non-saline soil) and five levels of compaction; control, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. The results showed that soil compaction had significant effect on the amount of N, P and K in wheat grain, so that the uptake of N, P and K by grain has been decreased by increasing the compaction level of soil. Soil salinity had significant effect on N, P and K content in grain that the content of N, P and K has been diminished in the saline treatments compared to non-saline treatments. Results on the agronomic traits and yield of wheat also revealed that soil compaction and salinity had significant effect (p < 0.01) on straw weight, number of ears, number of grain, and thousand grain weight which caused reduction in these parameters. The interaction between compaction and salinity had only significant correlation (p < 0.01) with thousand grain weight leading to the decrement of thousand grain weight with increasing compaction levels, particularly in the saline treatment.     

再生稻根干物质量及根系活力与产量的相关性研究

对不同施N水平、不同品种再生稻根干物质量及根系活力与产量的相关性研究结果表明 ,再生稻头季稻产量与根系干物质量及根系活力密切相关 ;再生稻再生分蘖的生长发育依赖于头季稻残留的根系 ,再生季稻穗数及产量与头季稻成熟期和再生季稻齐穗期的根系机能呈极显著线性正相关 ,并与芽肥施用量呈抛物线形相关     

Effect of Moisture Content at Harvest and Degree of Milling (Based on Surface Lipid Content) on the Texture Properties of Cooked Long-Grain Rice

The effects of the degree of milling (based on surface lipids content [SLC]) on cooked rice physicochemical properties were investigated. Head rice yield (HRY), protein, and SLC decreased with increasing milling, while the percent of bran removed and whiteness increased. Results showed that SLC significantly (P < 0.05) affected milled as well as cooked rice properties across cultivar, moisture content (MC) at harvest, and location (Stuttgart, AR, and Essex, MO). Cooked rice firmness ranged from 90.12 to 111.26 N after milling to various degrees (SLC). The decrease in cooked rice firmness with increasing milling was attributed to the lowering of total proteins and SLC. Cooked rice water uptake increased with increasing degree of milling. Water uptake by the kernel during cooking dictated the cooked rice firmness. The increase in cooked rice stickiness with increasing degree of milling was attributed to an increase in starch leaching during cooking because of the greater starch granule swelling associated with a greater water uptake.     

东北地区活动积温和极端持续低温的时空分布特征及其对粮食产量的影响

低温冷害是制约东北地区粮食产量的主要气象因素,了解低温冷害的演变规律及其对粮食产量的影响对于防灾减灾、合理搭配农作物品种熟期具有重要的指导意义。应用东北地区73个气象站1960-2004年温度资料以及ArcGIS地理信息系统技术和谐波分析方法,分析了≥10℃活动积温和持续低温指数的时空分布特征,评价了其对粮食和水稻产量的影响。结果表明,活动积温表现出由南向北、由西向东减少的趋势,持续低温指数表现出由南向北、由西向东增加的趋势。谐波分析表明,东北地区活动积温存在着明显的2．5-4a的周期振荡,持续低温指数主要表现为2．5-5a和10a左右的周期振荡。粮食产量的波动带有明显的活动积温和持续低温指数的信息,纬度越高,粮食产量受活动积温的影响越大,受持续低温指数的影响越小。活动积温是制约东北地区粮食和水稻产量的最主要因素,但持续低温指数的影响也不容忽视,持续低温指数每增加1d,会导致辽宁、吉林、黑龙江水稻平均单产。分别下降6．2％、5．8％和2．1％。     

Effect of Soil Moisture Content and Phosphorus Application on Phosphorus Nutrition of Rice Cultivated in Different Water Regime Systems

Abstract

Pot experiments were conducted in a glasshouse to investigate the effect of soil water content and phosphorus (P) supply on biomass, P uptake by rice cultivated in soils with different water regimes and soil available P. Results showed that P application rates had greater effect on P nutrition of rice than soil moisture content. Yield of rice grain was significantly decreased when soil moisture content was kept at 60% of water holding capacity (WHC) while the yields of rice grain were not significantly different when soil moistures were remained at 80% of WHC and waterlogged. This meant that it was possible for paddy rice variety to be cultivated in aerobic soil under the condition of sufficient P supply. The highest biomass of rice and highest P uptake by rice were found in the treatment with 0.0300 g P kg^?1 of P application rate and with 80% of WHC. Soil available P content decreased with the decrease of both the soil moisture content and the P applied. Rice crop exhausted soil P to a great extent leading to very low available soil P content when the rice crop was harvested, especially in the soil receiving no or small amounts of P fertilizer. All the results obtained in this experiment could provide the theoretic base for water and P management of paddy rice variety cultivated in aerobic soil in the southern hilly areas of China.     

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on Upland Rice based on Pot Experiments

Abstract

Limited information is available regarding the utilization and loss of fertilizer nitrogen (N) applied to intensively managed upland rice. Effects of N fertilization on upland rice were conducted as N0 (no N applied), N225 (225 kg N · ha^?1), N300 (300 kg N · ha^?1), and N375 (375 kg N · ha^?1) in pot experiments. ¹⁵N‐labeled techniques were used in basal and topdressing N fertilizations. Results showed with the increase of N quantity applied, tiller, panicle numbers per pot, and spikelet number per panicle increased significantly (P<0.05). Chlorophyll b content of N225 and N300 were significantly higher than N0 (P<0.05), and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of N300 increased significantly compared with N0 and N225. Under basal fertilization, N use efficiency (NUE) of root, stem, leaf, and grain in N300 was the highest. The NUE and loss rate ranged from 23.3% to 30.3% and 62.4% to 73.8%, respectively, under basal fertilization. They varied from 16.5% to 27.5% and 70.7% to 80.4%, respectively, under topdressing fertilization. The highest NUE was observed in N300 under basal fertilization. As increased quantities of N were applied, Pn and biological characteristics improved, thus crop yield of upland rice increased. Grain yield of N300 and N375 were significantly higher than that of N0 and N225 (P<0.01); however, there was no significant difference between them. Therefore, N fertilization with medium applied quantity under basal fertilization will facilitate growing, photosynthesis, and grain yield increase of upland rice.     

Studies on performance of rice as influenced by drainage in Eastern India

Field experiments were conducted in WTCER research farm, Mendhasal and in the farmer's field at Bishwanathpur, Orissa, India, during two crop years to assess the performance of rice as influenced by drainage at different growth stages. In the first experiment, scented rice variety CR-689-113 was tested with drainage at different growth stages in the main plot and nitrogen levels in the sub plots. In the second experiment, rice variety Swarna was investigated and drainage at different growth stages was provided under the best nitrogen level. The results revealed that drainage at the tillering stage recorded significantly higher grain yield than drainage at all other crop stages. The grain yield of rice was found to be increased by 19–22% when drainage was provided at the tillering stage for an 8–10 day period relative to that of no drainage treatment. However, drainage at the panicle initiation stage recorded the lowest grain yield. Nitrogen at 60 kg ha^?1 resulted in higher grain yield. Crop growth rate and nitrogen use efficiency were found to be higher when drainage was given at the tillering stage.     

Effect of indigenous stone bunding (kab) on crop yield at Mesobit‐Gedeba,North Shoa,Ethiopia

Stone bunding ( kab ) is an age‐old local conservation practice at Mesobit‐Gedeba. This study was conducted to assess the effect of this indigenous practice on crop yield. We compared original ground slope, terrace width, and slope position of the terraced area. The effect of slope width and slope position were found significant (p < 0·05) for both grain and biomass yields of the terraced sites. The mean grain and biomass yields decreased as the original ground slope of the terraced site increased. Both grain and biomass yields decreased with the width of the inter‐terrace area. Significant differences (p < 0·05) in mean grain and biomass yields were observed between the three slope positions. They decreased as one moved up the slope within the inter‐terrace area. In general, the study indicated that indigenous stone bunding has a positive effect on sorghum yield. Future studies should address different locations and crops and ways of integrating indigenous stone bunding with the current conservation programmes of the region. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Biochar use in a legume–rice rotation system: effects on soil fertility and crop performance

The aim of this study was to determine whether by applying biochar, it is possible to augment the beneficial effects of legume–crop rotation systems on soil fertility and crop performance. Repeated experiments were established in 2012 and 2013 in South-western Benin using a split-split plot design. Two legumes, Mucuna pruriens (mucuna) and Vigna unguiculata (cowpea), were planted for 42 days on biochar-amended and unamended plots and subsequently cut and applied as mulch 5 days before planting rice. Rice plants were either fertilized or not using a fertilizer rate of 60, 30, and 30 kg ha^?1 of N, P₂O₅, and K₂O, respectively. The results showed that the application of legume green manures and fertilizer, either singly or in combination, improved soil nutrient availability, CEC, shoot yield, and grain yield of rice on both biochar-amended and unamended plots. However, the effect was significantly (p < 0.05) greater on biochar-amended plots. The mean grain yield for all cropping seasons was 1.8 t ha^?1 for biochar-amended plots and 1.3 t ha^?1 for unamended plots. The greater grain yield of rice on biochar-amended plots was associated with improved soil fertility and increased N uptake.     

Physicochemical Properties of Rice Dried in a Single Pass Using High Temperatures

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties of high‐temperature, single‐pass dried rough rice. Pureline cultivars Wells (long grain) and Jupiter (medium grain) and hybrid cultivar CL XL729 (long grain), at initial moisture contents of 17.9–18.1% were dried in a single pass to approximately 12.5% moisture content with drying air temperatures of 60, 70, and 80°C and relative humidities of 13–83%. Immediately after drying, the samples were tempered for 1 h at the drying air temperatures in sealed plastic bags. Color, degree of milling, pasting viscosity, and thermal properties of the milled rice were evaluated. Results showed that color, degree of milling, and thermal properties were not affected by drying treatments. However, peak and final viscosities increased with increasing drying air temperatures in all three cultivars.     

Influences of irrigation,nitrogen and zeolite management on the physicochemical properties of rice

The addition of zeolite (Z) to soils is increasingly being recognised as a way to enhance agricultural production and decrease fertilisation requirements and, hence, environmental costs. Meanwhile, the alternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWD) has become widely applied to reduce the water requirements of rice cultivation. However, limited information is available on their impacts on rice’s physicochemical properties. This study investigated an integrated irrigation, nitrogen (N) and Z rice production system and assessed its effects on the milling, appearance, nutrition, taste and cooking qualities of the rice grain produced. Compared with conventional flooding irrigation (CF), AWD-grown rice had slightly decreased milling and appearance qualities. Addition of Z increased rice protein content and slightly decreased eating quality without affecting milling, appearance and cooking qualities. The highest yields achieved under AWD (9.8 t ha^?1) and CF (8.9 t ha^?1) were achieved using 105 kg N and 10 t Z ha^?1, and 105 kg N and 5 t Z ha^?1, respectively. Compared with the flooding untreated control (using 157.5 kg N ha^?1 and no Z), these two treatment regimens required 27.8% and 8.1% less water, 33.3% less N fertiliser and increased yields by 10.6% and 0.6%, respectively, without measurably affecting rice grain quality.     

Evaluation of Soil Tests for Plant‐available Mercury in a Soil–Crop Rotation System

A reliable soil test is needed for estimating mercury (Hg) availability to crop plants. In this study, four extraction procedures including 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl), 1 M ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc) (pH 7.0), 0.005 M diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), and 0.1 M calcium chloride (CaCl₂) (pH5.0) were compared for their adequacy in predicting soil Hg availability to crop plants of a rice–cabbage–radish rotation system. The amounts of Hg extracted by each of the four procedures increased with increasing equilibrium time. The optimal time required for extraction of soil Hg was approximately 30 min, though it varied slightly among the four extractants. The amounts of Hg extracted decreased with increasing soil/solution ratio, and a soil/solution ratio of 1:5 appeared to be adequate for soil Hg availability tests. The amounts of Hg extracted increased in the order of NH₄OAc < CaCl₂ < DTPA < HCl in silty loam soil (SLS) soil, and the order was NH₄OAc < CaCl₂ ≈ DTPA < HCl in yellowish red soil (YRS) soil. Significant positive correlations among the four extractants were obtained in SLS soil. In contrast, the correlations were poor in YRS soil, especially for HCl. There were significant correlations between concentrations of Hg in edible tissue of three plants and the amounts of soil Hg extractable to the four extractants for soil–rice system and soil–radish system, but not for soil–Chinese cabbage system. The 0.1M HCl extraction overall provided the best estimation of soil‐available Hg and could be used to predict phytoavailability of Hg in soil–crop systems.     

Nitrogen Uptake and Remobilization in Maize Hybrids Differing in Leaf Senescence

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop with multiple uses in the world. Stay‐green hybrids have been developed because of their higher productivity. Few studies have been conducted to evaluate the influence of nitrogen (N) levels on N uptake, remobilization, grain yield and N concentration in stay‐green hybrids compared to senescent ones. Field studies were undertaken in P.R. China on an Ustochrepts soil to determine the effects of N levels and hybrids differing in leaf senescence on grain yield and N concentration, N uptake, remobilization, and residual in vegetative tissues in 1996 and 1997. The stay‐green hybrid ND108 had greater yields than TK5 (intermediate senescing) and ZD120 (fast senescing) under both high (225 kg N ha^?1) and low N (0 in 1997 or 45 kg N ha^?1 in 1996, respectively) supply. ND108 took up more N than the two other hybrids. Grain N concentration of ND108 did not decrease by low N significantly, excepting the experiment sown in the summer of 1996, when post‐silking N uptake was reduced greatly by the shortened grain filling duration. Nitrogen remobilization efficiency in vegetative tissue was higher in senescent hybrids ZD120 than ND108. Nitrogen retained in the stover at harvest was higher in ND108, which can lead to a deficit of soil N for the next crop if the stover is not returned into soil. It was suggested that, though stay‐green hybrids have been developed for high N conditions, they have advantages over senescent hybrids also under N limited conditions.     

Crop production impacts on soil phosphorus removal and soil test levels

An 8-year field study documented the impact of tillage, crop rotations, and crop residue management on agronomic and soil parameters at Brookings, South Dakota. The greatest annual proportion of above-ground biomass phosphorus (P) removed was from the grain (78–87% of total) although crop residue removed some P as well. Greater above-ground total biomass P (grain P + crop residue P) was removed from corn than from soybean and spring wheat crops mainly due to the greater corn grain biomass harvested. Cumulative above-ground biomass P removal was greatest for the corn-soybean rotation (214 kg P ha^?1), while it was lowest for the soybean-wheat rotation (157 kg P ha^?1). Tillage treatments within crop rotation or residue management treatments did not influence annual or cumulative P removal rates. Olsen extractable soil orthophosphate-P levels declined consistently through time from a mean of 40 µg g^?1 (2004) to 26 µg g^?1 (2011). Biomass P removal was calculated to be 15.7 ha^?1 yr^?1 to decrease Olsen extractable soil orthophosphate-P levels by 1 µg g^?1 yr^?1 over 8 years of the study.     

System of rice intensification in promising rice hybrids in north-western Himalayas: crop and water productivity,quality, and economic profitability

System of Rice Intensification (SRI) has spread as an innovation of rice cultivation that can produce higher crop yields and conserve seed and water resources. The SRI innovation is also gaining popularity in north-western (NW) Himalayas on one hand and hybrid rice technology on the other in the region. Moreover, rice productivity in NW Himalayas is quite low owing to the use of low-yielding germplasm and poor crop management. Thus, SRI principles coupled with hybrid rice technology seems to be a boon to boost rice productivity in the irrigated ecosystem of wet-temperate NW Himalayas well known for rice cultivation. Therefore, comparative performance of promising rice hybrids under SRI was assessed at three locations in wet-temperate NW Himalayas (India) using nine promising rice hybrids including state-recommended rice hybrid “Arize–6129” as check cultivar. It was revealed that various hybrids differed significantly w.r.t. days to 50% flowering, days to 75% maturity, plant height, tillers hill^?1, panicles hill^?1, panicles m^?2, and panicle length. Highest number of panicles m^?2 (370) was observed in Arize–6129 followed by US–312, Bioseed–786, and NK–3325, respectively. Significantly longer panicles were observed in Dhanya–2366 followed by Arize–6129, US–312, Bioseed–786, NK–3325, and US–10, respectively. Arize–6129 resulted in significantly higher grain (75 q ha^?1) and straw yield (125 q ha^?1) followed by US–312, Dhanya–2366, NK–3325, PAC–801, US–10, Bioseed–786, Uday–111, and Uday–131, respectively. The production- and monetary-efficiency as well as gross and net returns and B:C ratio also followed the similar trend as that of crop productivity with significantly higher production– (67 kg ha^?1 day^?1) and monetary–efficiency (INR 608.4 ha^?1 day^?1), and net returns (INR 68138 ha^?1) and B:C ratio (3.66) in check cultivar “Arize–6129” over other rice hybrids. Higher grain productivity (49.5–75.0 q ha^?1), net returns (INR 39238–68138 ha^?1), and B:C ratio (2.53–3.66) in current study conclusively inferred that SRI coupled with hybrid rice technology can harness higher productivity and profitability. Protein content (8.30–8.45%) exhibited higher values under Bioseed–786 followed by NK–3325, UDAY–111, and Arize–6129; however, NPK uptake (grains, straw, total) was significantly highest in Arize–6129 followed by US–312, Dhanya–2366, and NK–3325, respectively. Total water productivity (6.4–9.75 kg ha^?1 mm^?1), irrigation water productivity (16.5–25 kg ha^?1 mm^?1), and economic water productivity (64.0–97.5 INR ha^?1 mm^?1) collectively followed the trend of Arize–6129 > US–312 > Dhanya–2366 > NK–3325 > US–10 > PAC–801 > Bioseed–786 > Uday–111 > Uday–131 in current study. Overall, Arize–6129, US–312, and Dhanya–2366 were proved as potential rice hybrids in terms of their higher crop and water productivity and economic profitability among above nine rice hybrids for their large-scale cultivation under SRI in wet-temperate NW Himalayas.     

Impacts of Delayed Drying on Discoloration and Functionality of Rice

In‐bin, on‐farm drying systems for rough rice present challenges for maintaining kernel quality when drying fronts stall and the top layer of grain maintains its harvest moisture content (MC) for extended periods. This high MC, in addition to ambient temperatures in early autumn in the Mid‐South United States, creates ideal conditions for quality losses to occur. This study evaluated the effects of rough rice storage at MCs of 12.5, 16, 19, and 21% for up to 16 weeks at temperatures of 20, 27, and 40°C on milling yields, kernel color, and functionality of three long‐grain cultivars. Head rice yield was negatively impacted only after other reductions in quality had occurred. Temperature‐specific discoloration patterns were observed at 27 and 40°C in 2014; the uniquely discolored kernels seen in 2014 at 27°C were absent from samples in 2015 under identical conditions. Peak viscosity, breakdown, and final viscosity tended to increase over storage duration at 20 and 27°C and all storage MCs but plateaued after 8 weeks. Storage of rice at 40°C and all MCs greatly reduced peak viscosity after 6 weeks. To prevent quality losses, in‐bin dryers should be monitored closely to avoid exceeding the thresholds of storage MC, temperature, and duration identified here.     

Soil nutrient status and yield of rice as affected by long-term integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers

Nutrient balance is the key component to increase crop yields. Excess and imbalanced use of nutrients has caused nutrient mining from the soil and deteriorated crop productivity and ultimately soil health. Replenishment of these nutrients has a direct impact on soil health and crop productivity. Based on this fact, the present research was conducted to determine the effects of long-term integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil nutrient status and yield (grain and straw) in rice. Different combinations of inorganic nitrogen (N) and organic sources (sewage sludge and compost) were applied to the soil. Data revealed that application of mineral NPK in combination with 50% N through compost significantly increased the organic matter content (0.36%), available phosphorus (16.50 kg/ha) and available potassium content (239.80 kg/ha) in soil. The maximum available N (225.12 kg/ha) was found by the substitution of 50% N through sewage sludge. This improvement in soil nutrient status through combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers produced significant increase in grain and straw yield as compared to inorganic fertilizers alone. Maximum grain (6.96 t/ha) and straw (8.56 t/ha) yields were found in treatment having substitution of 50% N (recommended) through compost @10t/ha. Also, a significant positive correlation was found between soil nutrients and straw and grain yield in rice. Thus the study demonstrated that substitution of 50% inorganic N through compost will be a good alternative for improving soil fertility.