Influence of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Biochar on Floodwater pH and Yield Components of Rice Cultivated on Acid Sulphate Soil under Rice Intensification Practices

Abstract

Rice has a vital role in food security but the production is limited in infertile and degraded soils. Rice is cultivated on acid sulphate soil in the coastal area of Peninsular Malaysia. Soil amendment using biological charcoal (biochar) increases the soil fertility. Thus, empty fruit bunch biochar (EFBB) was applied in a pot experiment under a controlled environment using an organic system of rice intensification (SRI) practice and its effects on the floodwater pH, acid sulphate soil properties and growth performance of rice and yield of rice MR219 were preliminarily investigated. EFBB increased grain yield by 141 to 472%. Plant growth and yield parameters in EFBB amended soils were significantly higher than in soil without biochar. The number of tillers increased significantly with the increase in biochar applied; 28 tillers were produced in the control, while up to 80 tillers were produced in the plots applied 40 t ha^–1 EFBB. Moreover, the decline of Al³⁺ in flood water indicated that EFBB mitigated Al³⁺ toxicity. Soil water pH increased from 3.5 to 6 with increasing EFBB application rates. The grain yield was linearly correlated to the application rate of EFBB. This pot study demonstrates that the application of EFBB combined with organic fertilization and intermittent irrigation has the potential to improve rice yield on acid sulphate soil. Further study in the field is warranted to determine the effect of EFBB on large scale rice production.     

Assessment of different methods of rice (Oryza sativa. L) cultivation affecting growth parameters, soil chemical, biological, and microbiological properties, water saving, and grain yield in rice–rice system

Field experiments were conducted at DRR farm located at ICRISAT, Patancheru, in sandy clay loam soils during four seasons, Kharif 2008, Rabi 2008–2009, Kharif 2009 and Rabi 2009–2010, to investigate growth parameters, water-saving potential, root characteristics, chemical, biological, and microbial properties of rhizosphere soil, and grain yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) by comparing the plants grown with system of rice intensification (SRI) methods, with organic or organic + inorganic fertilization, against current recommended best management practices (BMP). All the growth parameters including plant height, effective tillers (10–45 %), panicle length, dry matter, root dry weight (24–57 %), and root volume (10–66 %) were found to be significantly higher with in SRI-organic + inorganic over BMP. With SRI-organic fertilization, growth parameters showed inconsistent results; however, root dry weight (3–77 %) and root volume (31–162 %) were found significantly superior compared to BMP. Grain yield was found significantly higher in SRI-organic + inorganic (12–23 and 4–35 % in the Kharif and Rabi seasons, respectively), while with SRI-organic management, yield was found higher (4–34 %) only in the Rabi seasons compared to BMP. An average of 31 and 37 % of irrigation water were saved during Kharif and Rabi seasons, respectively, with both SRI methods of rice cultivation compared to BMP. Further, total nitrogen, organic carbon%, soil dehydrogenase, microbial biomass carbon, total bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes were found higher in the two SRI plots in comparison to BMP. It is concluded that SRI practices create favorable conditions for beneficial soil microbes to prosper, save irrigation water, and increase grain yield.     

Variation in mineral micronutrient concentrations in grain of wheat lines of diverse origin

150 lines of bread wheat representing diverse origin and 25 lines of durum, spelt, einkorn and emmer wheat species were analysed for variation in micronutrient concentrations in grain. A subset of 26 bread wheat lines was grown at six sites or seasons to identify genetically determined differences in micronutrient concentrations. Substantial variation among the 175 lines existed in grain Fe, Zn and Se concentrations. Spelt, einkorn and emmer wheats appeared to contain higher Se concentration in grain than bread and durum wheats. Significant differences between bread wheat genotypes were found for grain Fe and Zn, but not Se concentration; the latter was influenced more by the soil supply. Grain Zn, but not Fe, concentration correlated negatively with grain yield, and there was a significant decreasing trend in grain Zn concentration with the date of variety release, suggesting that genetic improvement in yield has resulted in a dilution of Zn concentration in grain. Both grain Zn and Fe concentrations also correlated positively and significantly with grain protein content and P concentration, but the correlations with kernel size, kernel weight or bran yield were weak. The results from this study are useful for developing micronutrient biofortification strategies.     

Effects of Soil Type,Vertical Root Distribution and Precipitation on Grain Yield of Winter Wheat

Abstract

In Abashiri in eastern Hokkaido, Japan, grain yields of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Hokushin) in the western area, with umbric andosol or dystric cambisol soil types, are lower and unstable compared to those in the eastern area, with mostly haplic andosol soil type. The aim of this study was to evaluate yield differences between the eastern and western areas. The vertical root distribution of wheat plants was examined over two seasons in farmers’ fields in both areas by a wall profile method. Plants grown in the western area had shallower root systems than those grown in the eastern area. Poor soil porosity and high soil penetration resistance suppressed the vertical distribution of root systems in umbric andosol and dystric cambisol. Grain yields were not always correlated with the amount and distribution of the root system. Grain yield in the 2004/2005 season was not correlated with root depth index, whereas it was positively correlated in the 2005/2006 season. During the period from heading to maturity (mid June to late July) over the two seasons, grain yield was associated with precipitation more than with temperature and total solar radiation. In the 2005/2006 season, during the late growing stage of wheat, precipitation was extremely low and soils were very dry. The difference in grain yield between the eastern and western areas was significant and negatively related to precipitation during the period from heading to maturity. Significant correlations of yield with sunshine duration and solar radiation from the heading stage to maturity were observed only on haplic andosol. The results suggest that the major factor controlling yearly changes in the difference in grain yield of winter wheat between the eastern and western areas is the difference in photosynthetic ability, which is based on rooting depth and water supply in response to solar radiation during the late growing stage.     

Effects of Different Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels and Native Soil Properties on Rice Grain Fe, Zn and Protein Contents

Deposition of protein and metal ions (Fe, Zn) in rice grains is a complex polygenic trait showing considerable environmental effect. To analyze the effect of nitrogen application levels and native soil properties on rice grain protein, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents, 32 rice genotypes were grown at three different locations each under 80 and 120 kg/hm2 nitrogen fertilizer applications. In treatments with nitrogen fertilizer application, the brown rice grain protein content (GPC) increased significantly (1.1% to 7.0%) under higher nitrogen fertilizer application (120 kg/hm2) whereas grain Fe/Zn contents showed non-significant effect of nitrogen application level, thus suggesting that the rate of uptake and translocation of macro-elements does not influence the uptake and translocation of micro-elements. The pH, organic matter content and inherent Fe/Zn levels of native soil showed significant effects on grain Fe and Zn contents of all the rice genotypes. Grain Zn content of almost all the tested rice genotypes was found to increase at Location III having loamy soil texture, neutral pH value (pH 6.83) and higher organic matter content than the other two locations (Locations I and II), indicating significant influence of native soil properties on brown rice grain Zn content while grain Fe content showed significant genotype × environment interaction effect. Genotypic difference was found to be the most significant factor to affect grain Fe/Zn contents in all the tested rice genotypes, indicating that although native soil properties influence phyto-availability of micronutrients and consequently influencing absorption, translocation and grain deposition of Fe/Zn ions, yet genetic makeup of a plant determines its response to varied soil conditions and other external factors. Two indica rice genotypes R-RF-31 (27.62 μg/g grain Zn content and 7.80% GPC) and R1033-968-2-1 (30.05 μg/g grain Zn content and 8.47% GPC) were identified as high grain Zn and moderate GPC rice genotypes. These results indicate that soil property and organic matter content increase the availability of Fe and Zn in rhizosphere, which in turn enhances the uptake, translocation and redistribution of Fe/Zn into rice grains.     

Effects and fate of biochar from rice residues in rice-based systems

Although crop residues constitute an enormous resource, actual residue management practices in rice-based systems have various negative side effects and contribute to global warming. The concept of a combined bioenergy/biochar system could tackle these problems in a new way. Rice residues would be used for energy production, thereby reducing field burning and the use of fossil fuels, and the biochar by-product could help to improve soils, avoid methane emissions, and sequester carbon in soils. To examine some of these promises, we conducted field experiments from 2005 to 2008 in three different rice production systems. Objectives were to study the effect of biochar from rice husks on soil characteristics, assess the stability of carbonized rice residues in these different systems, and evaluate the agronomic effect of biochar applications. The results showed that application of untreated and carbonized rice husks (RH and CRH) increased total organic carbon, total soil N, the C/N ratio, and available P and K. Not significant or small effects were observed for soil reaction, exchangeable Ca, Mg, Na, and the CEC. On a fertile soil, the high C/N ratio of CRH seemed to have limited N availability, thereby slightly reducing grain yields in the first three seasons after application. On a poor soil, where the crop also suffered from water stress, soil chemical and physical improvements increased yields by 16-35%. Together with a parallel study including methane and CO₂ emission measurements at one site, the results strongly suggest that CRH is very stable in various rice soils and systems, possibly for thousands of years. However, the study also showed that CRH was very mobile in some soils. Especially in poor sandy soil, about half of the applied carbon seemed to have moved below 0.30 m in the soil profile within 4 years after application. We concluded that biochar from rice residues can be beneficial in rice-based systems but that actual effects on soil fertility, grain yield, and soil organic carbon will depend on site-specific conditions. Long-term studies on biochar in field trials seem essential to better understand biochar effects and to investigate its behavior in soils.     

再生稻肥料管理对不同品种产量和品质的影响

【目的】探明肥料管理、品种及其互作对再生稻头季和再生季产量和品质的影响,为再生稻高产优质育种和栽培提供理论依据。【方法】采用大田试验的方法,以4个华中地区主推的再生稻品种为材料,设置4种肥料管理方法,分别测定水稻的产量和产量构成因素、稻米品质(加工品质和外观品质)、干物质生产及相关农艺性状等。【结果】相比推荐施肥对照(CK),全生育期施用再生稻专用缓释肥(SRF)使两季施肥的次数从5次减少到3次,而且产量在头季和再生季分别达8.86和6.39 t/hm ²,较CK仅降低了6.2%和9.1%。SRF在头季减产主要归因于较低的结实率,而在再生季减产是每穗颖花数和总颖花数共同下降的结果。促芽肥施与不施对再生季产量没有影响。再生稻两季的加工品质和外观品质主要受品种的影响,肥料处理及其与品种的互作影响很小。相比其他3个品种,甬优4949的头季和再生季产量最高,加工品质和外观品质最好。【结论】施用专用缓释肥和省施促芽肥均能够在不大幅损失稻谷产量的同时减少施肥次数促进再生稻轻简化栽培。     

Differences in Grain Yield and Quality in Main and Ratoon Rice in Southern Henan Province

【Objective】 The combination of mid-season rice+ratoon rice is a new pattern of rice planting in southern Henan Province. However, the changes in grain yield and quality between the main and ratoon seasons remain unclear. Clarifying the changing law of grain yield and rice quality can lay a theoretical and practical basis for the screening of ratoon rice varieties with higher grain yield and better rice quality in southern Henan Province. 【Method】 In this study, 12 hybrid indica rice combinations suitable for single-cropping rice were used as materials under local high-yield cultivation conditions. The tested combinations were divided into four types according to their yields in main and ratoon seasons: BH, both high grain yields in main and ratoon season; HL, high grain yield in main season and low grain yield in ratoon season; LH, low grain yield in main season and high yield in ratoon season; BL, both low grain yields in main and ratoon seasons. The difference in rice quality was also analyzed. 【Result】 1) The processing quality and appearance quality in ratoon season were significantly improved, however, the protein contents decreased, and the eating quality of rice was improved to different extents as compared with those in main season; 2) Except for BL type (only one combination, Shenliangyou 11), the processing quality of BH and HL was better, and HL has better appearance quality and cooking and eating quality. There was no significant difference in protein contents among different yield types in main season, while in ratoon season, the protein contents in BH were 10.7 % higher than those in HL, and 1.75% lower than those in LH. 3) The effect of daily average temperature after full heading on grain quality was far greater than the sunshine hours, and the relatively low average daily temperature after full heading in ratoon season was the main reason for its better grain quality. 【Conclusion】 Based on higher grain yield and better rice quality, Liangyou 6326, Tianliangyou 616, Guangliangyou 476 and Fengliangyouxiang 1 were suitable varieties for ratoon cultivation in southern Henan Province.     

【Short Report】Grain Yield and Leaf Area Growth of Direct-Seeded Rice on Flooded and Aerobic Soils in Japan

Abstract

Direct-seeding has been proposed as a water- and labor-saving method to grow irrigated rice. Our objective was to compare the effects of flooded and aerobic conditions on the yield stability of direct-seeded rice. We set up four trials in the field: aerobic, near-saturated and flooded soils with direct seeding, and flooded soil with transplanting. Grain yield of direct-seeded rice was comparable to that of transplanted under flooded conditions. However, the yield of direct-seeded rice under aerobic conditions was up to 21% lower than that under flooded conditions. This poor performance was associated with reduced leaf growth during the vegetative stage. Our results indicate that the yield stability of direct-seeded rice could be lowered by the water-saving irrigation, compared with the conventional flooded culture. In order to save irrigation water, physiological research on direct-seeded rice should target the vulnerability of rice to aerobic soils or to soil moisture fluctuations.     

Using stress tolerance indicator (STI) to select high grain yield iron-deficiency tolerant wheat genotypes in calcareous soils

Despite large variation among crop genotypes in response to Fe fertilization, there is no reliable indicator for identifying Fe-deficiency tolerant wheat genotypes with high grain yield. The aim of this investigation was to compare the grain yield response of 20 spring and 30 winter bread wheat genotypes to Fe fertilization under field conditions and to select high grain yield Fe-deficiency tolerant genotypes using a stress tolerance indicator (STI). Two individual trials, each one consisting two field plot experiments, were conducted during 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 growing seasons. Spring wheat genotypes (Trial l) and winter wheat genotypes (Trial 2) were planted at two different locations. Two Fe rates (0 and 20 kg Fe ha⁻¹ as Fe-EDTA) were applied. Spring and winter wheat genotypes differed significantly (P < 0.01) in the grain yield both with and without added Fe treatments. Application of Fe fertilizer increased grain yield of spring wheat genotypes by an average of 211 and 551 kg ha⁻¹ in Karaj and Isfahan locations, respectively. By Fe application, the mean grain yield of winter wheat genotypes increased 532 and 798 kg ha⁻¹ in Karaj and Isfahan sites, respectively. Iron efficiency (Fe-EF) significantly differed among wheat genotypes and ranged from 65% to 113% for spring wheat and from 69% to 125% for winter wheat genotypes. No significant correlation was found between Fe-EF and grain yield of spring wheat genotypes under Fe deficient conditions. For winter wheat genotypes grown in Mashhad, Fe-efficiency was not significantly correlated with the grain yield produced without added Fe treatment. The STI was significantly (P < 0.01) varied among spring and winter wheat genotypes. The interaction between location and genotype had no significant effect on the STI. According to these results, the STI should be considered as an effective criterion for screening programs, if a high potential grain yield together with more stable response to Fe fertilization in different environments is desired.     

Genotypic variation in grain phosphorus concentration,and opportunities to improve P-use efficiency in rice

Continual removal of phosphorus (P) from fields in rice grains at harvest results in lower soil fertility in low-input farming systems and drives the need for fertiliser inputs in high-input farming systems. High-P content in rice grains (the majority as phytate) contributes little to human nutrition and agronomic practices such as growing seedlings in high-P media or seed P coating at sowing (in direct-sown crops) may overcome the reported need for high-P seed for seedling establishment. Thus, reducing the amount of P in rice grains at maturity through breeding may represent a novel means to reduce ‘mining’ of soil P. We investigated the uptake and partitioning of P in rice plants and examined the scope for breeding rice with lower grain P by assessing genotypic variation for phosphorus harvest index (PHI) and seed P concentrations among a set of 38 rice genotypes in the field. At maturity approximately 75% of total plant P was found in grains and translocation of P from stems and leaves contributed substantially to grain P. However, unlike other cereals such as wheat, rice plants continued dry matter and P accumulation until maturity with approximately 40% of total plant P taken up post anthesis. In the field study, PHI differed significantly among genotypes (from 57 to 87) but was highly correlated to HI (P ≤ 0.001), suggesting that exploiting genotypic variation for this trait may be counterproductive. Grain P concentrations varied from 1.96 to 3.18 mg P g⁻¹, and were neither associated with reductions in grain yield or seed size, nor significantly correlated to HI. Grain P concentration therefore appears to be a suitable screening criterion and the 50% variation observed among genotypes suggests that scope exists for breeding rice with lower grain P concentration to reduce the off-take of P from rice fields at harvest.     

豫南地区头季和再生季水稻产量与品质差异分析

【目的】 “中稻+再生稻”组合是豫南稻区新的水稻种植模式,但是头季与再生季水稻产量和稻米品质变化尚不清楚。明确其产量和米质变化规律可为豫南地区高产优质再生稻品种选择提供理论与实践依据。【方法】以两优6326等12个适于单季种植的杂交籼稻为材料,在当地高产栽培条件下,依据头季和再生季两季产量将其划分为两季产量均高(双高)、头季稻产量高再生季产量低(头高再低)、头季稻产量低再生季产量高(头低再高)和两季产量均低(双低)等四种类型,并分析了米质的差异。【结果】 1)与头季稻相比,12个组合的再生季稻米加工品质和外观品质显著改善,蛋白质含量降低,稻米食味品质不同程度变优。2)两季不同产量类型之间比较,除双低类型(仅深两优11号一个品种)外,双高类型和头高再低类型加工品质较优,而头高再低类型的外观品质和蒸煮食味品质较优。蛋白质含量在各产量类型头季稻之间无显著差异,而再生季双高类型较头高再低类型高10.7 %,比头低再高类型低1.75 %。3)齐穗后日平均温度对稻米品质的影响远大于日照时数,再生季齐穗后日平均温度较低是其稻米品质优于头季稻的重要原因。【结论】综合产量及品质,两优6326、天两优616、广两优476和丰两优香1号是适于豫南地区的高产优质再生水稻品种。     

A non-conventional method for establishing upland crops following lowland rice in saturated soils

A novel technique was tested for establishing upland crops in saturated paddy soils. It is based on the observation that deep planting in wet soil is feasible if the seed holes remain open to maintain an adequate gaseous exchange pathway to the soil surface. Three field experiments were conducted to compare the performance of this ‘plunger planter’ seeding method against five other methods to establish mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilzeck) following rainfed rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiments were conducted on a silty clay Tropaquept during the 1990 and 1991 dry seasons (DS) at the International Rice Research Institute. Planting depths from 2 to 14 cm did not significantly affect seedling emergence (which varied from 88–97%) or grain yield. The apparent optimum depth was 6–8 cm. A needle-like pont attachment to the end of the plunger increased mungbean stem diameter and facilitated vertical rooting, but had no significant effect on seedling emergence or yield. Plunger planting (PP) was successful at 50% soil moisture content (g/g). The other seeding methods could only be employed at a soil moisture content of 34% or less. Grain yields with PP in the 1990 DS (1.3-1.6 t/ha) were significantly greater than with all other methods (yield range of 0.4-0.8 t/ha). In the 1991 DS, yields with PP (2.2 t/ha) exceeded those with the other methods by 0.4-0.7 t/ha. Seedling emergence, plant density at harvest, and total dry matter were significantly (P < 0.01) increased with PP in 1990, but not in 1991 (a season of less severe water stress). The PP method proved to have promising potential as a means of establishing mungbean in saturated soils, gaining time for germination and root growth before soil strength becomes prohibitive to root penetration, and enabling greater water use from deep soil layers. The plunger planter principle is adaptable to mechanical seeding.     

Strategies for applying selenium for biofortification of rice in tropical soils and their effect on element accumulation and distribution in grains

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the selenium (Se) application via soil (SeVI) and leaf (SeIV and SeVI) on agronomic attributes of rice and the spatial distribution of Se and other elements in biofortified rice grains. For this, a field trial was conducted using six Se rates (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 g ha⁻¹). Physiological evaluations in rice leaves, rice grain yield, and Se and other elements content were assessed. Spatial distributions of Se and other elements were visualized mapping the biofortified rice grains with μXRF. The results showed that the strategies and rates of Se applied to the plants were effective for producing Se-rich rice grains. Although Se application did not change the rice yield, it affected some enzyme activities, improving the antioxidant system of the plant. The spatial distribution of the different elements found in the biofortified rice grains varied substantially, with Se accumulations mainly in the endosperm, whereas P, K, Fe, and Zn accumulate in the embryo. Agronomic biofortification of rice with Se, via soil or leaf, is a promising strategy to be adopted in tropical soils in order to produce rice grains with adequate Se contents for human consumption.     

Nutrient and assimilate partitioning in two tropical maize cultivars in relation to their tolerance to soil acidity

The use of Al-tolerant and P-efficient maize cultivars is an important component of a successful production system on tropical acid soils with limited lime and P inputs. Grain yield and secondary plant traits, including root and aboveground biomass, nutrient content and leaf development, were evaluated from 1996 to 2002 in field experiments on an Oxisol in order to identify maize characteristics useful in genetic improvement. Here we present the results of the 2002 trial and compare them with previous results. The aim of this experiment was to assess the effect of assimilate and nutrient partitioning on the growth and grain yield of two tropical cultivars having different Al tolerance (CMS36, tolerant, Spectral, moderately tolerant). The soil had an Al saturation of 36% in topsoil (pH 4.5) and >45% below 0.3 m depth (pH 4.2). Measurements made from emergence to grain filling included: root, stem and leaf biomass, P and N content, leaf area index (LAI), radiation use efficiency (RUE), soil available N and root profiles at anthesis. The experiments consisted of two P treatments, zero applied or 45 kg P ha⁻¹ (−P and +P). All the treatments received N and K fertilizers. In −P, root biomass and LAI at anthesis were twice as great in CMS36 as in Spectral. In +P the differences between cultivars were negligible. Roots were deeper in CMS36 due to its higher Al tolerance. Total biomass and grain yield were not strongly related to root biomass and LAI. Other factors such as the leaf biomass and the amount of nutrients per unit leaf area were highly correlated with RUE and biomass. In −P, Spectral had the same total biomass but a higher grain yield than CMS36 (2.1 Mg ha⁻¹ versus 1.5 Mg ha⁻¹). This was due to a higher leaf P content (+40%), a greater RUE (+74%), and a lower number of sterile plants. In +P, CMS36 had higher total biomass and grain yield (4.1 Mg ha⁻¹ versus 3.1 Mg ha⁻¹). This was due to its higher leaf P (+25%) and leaf N (+43%) contents, and an increased RUE (+130%) that were associated with higher P and N uptake. Our results indicated that although root tolerance to Al toxicity is necessary for good crop performance on acid soils, assimilate and nutrient partitioning in the aboveground organs play a major role in plant adaptation and may partially compensate for a lower root tolerance.     

结实期干湿交替灌溉对水稻根系、产量和土壤的影响

[目的]干湿交替灌溉(WMD)对水稻根系生长和产量形成有重要影响,但其对土壤性状的影响,以及与根系生长的关系尚不明确.[方法]本研究以5个不同类型的水稻品种为材料,在结实期设置常规灌溉(CI)和干湿交替灌溉(WMD)两种灌溉方式处理,研究了其对水稻产量、根系形态生理及土壤性状的影响.[结果]1)与CI相比,结实期WMD...     

Effect of saline soil on grain quality of rices differing in salinity tolerance

Four varieties of rice, differing in salinity tolerance and grown in saline soil (electrical conductivity 5–6 dS/m) at Sadhoke, Punjab, Pakistan, had lighter grain and higher Na content than control samples. Grains of three out of the four rices grown on saline soils had higher brown rice protein (higher nutritional value), less translucent grain, lower starch and amylose content, and lower K than their control samples, but these differences were not related to salinity tolerance. Alkali spreading value and gel consistency were not affected by culture in saline soil. Cooked rice Instron hardness increased in saline culture in two higher-protein samples of the four rices. Amylograph peak viscosity was suppressed by saline culture.     

Leaf and seed micronutrient accumulation in soybean cultivars in response to integrated organic and chemical fertilizers application

Plant nutrients can be influenced by organic materials of soils. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic amendments on elements uptake by soybean cultivars in a silty loam soil in Mazandaran province, Iran. The experiment was carried out in split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in 2006. Main plots were included 8 fertilizer treatments consisted of 20 and 40 Mg ha(-1) Municipal Solid Waste Compost (MSW), Vermicompost (VC) and Sewage Sludge (SS) which enriched with 50% chemical fertilizers needed by soil, only chemical fertilizer treatment and control. Sub plots consisted of three genotypes of soybean (032, 033 and JK). Grain yield was determined and soybean leaves and seeds were digested and analyzed for Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe. Results showed that yield and elements content in soybean leaves and seeds (Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe) were influenced by all treatments. The 40 Mg ha(-1) of sewage sludge enriched with chemical fertilizers produced maximum grain yield. Different soybean cultivars had also significant differences in terms of leaf and seed micronutrients accumulation. Maximum grain yield was observed in JK and 033. Mean comparisons showed that interaction effects of fertilizer and cultivar had significant differences on Mn, Cu and Fe content in soybean leaves, so that the maximum Cu content was observed in 032 cultivars with 40 Mg ha(-1) enriched sewage sludge and municipal waste compost. Also the highest amount of Fe was obtained for JK cultivar when the 40 Mg ha(-1) of municipal compost was used. Among different mentioned traits, Fe and Cu content in leaf and seed and Zn content in leaf had a positive and significant correlation with grain yield.     

Effects of field high temperature on grain yield and quality of a subtropical type japonica rice—Pon-Lai rice

Typical japonica type rice is sensitive to high temperature. Pon-Lai rice is a special japonica type with adaptation to the subtropical climate in Taiwan. Facing climate change, rising temperatures would damage the yield and quality of rice production. This research was conducted using Pon-Lai rice in the field of a subtropical climate. We conducted 2 experiments, including a year-round experiment and collection of samples from different districts for building different temperature conditions. We analyzed the correlation between rising temperature and rice yield or quality. In our results, the critical period of temperature effect is 0–15 days after heading (H15). The threshold of high temperature damage in yield and appearance quality was 25–27 °C. Grain weight decreased about 2–6%, while the temperature of H15 was raised 1 °C above the thresholds. Perfect grain ratio and chalky grain ratio decreased and increased, respectively, while the temperature of H15 was raised above the thresholds. However, the high temperature in H15 affected the physicochemical characteristics. In addition, we found positive correlation between grain length to width ratio and perfect grain ratio. Grain length to width ratio could be an index of temperature effects for grain quality. In our study, when the temperature was below 30 °C, a rising temperature of H15 could damage rice yield and appearance quality, and change grain shape. Our results could provide reference for dealing with the warming future in other temperate rice-cultivated countries.