Nitrogen For Continuous Rice

Study Aims To Provide Nutrients For Rice After Rice Cropping

GLENNONVILLE, MO.
   Yields generally decline over time with continuous rice, but scientists in a variety of rice producing states are beginning to understand why, according to Dr. Michael Aide, Professor from Southeast Missouri State University located at the Missouri Rice Research Farm.
   “The residue from rice produces certain chemicals that inhibit the breakdown of the natural soil nitrogen from being released to the rice plant,” he explained. “Therefore we need to figure out a later season nitrogen strategy for continuous rice and then we can successfully grow our expected yield thresholds.”
   Presently, he is leading a study looking at nitrogen fertilization programs in order to boost the nitrogen uptake in the later half of the growing season to maintain those high profitable yields.
   “We’re also crossing that with potassium and phosphorus to see if we can help the nitrogen get into the plant by way of a balance of the three macronutrients,” Aide added.
   The solution, he feels, will be a soil fertility issue where the soil is treated with proper fertility timing that will correct the issue.
   “Then, as Dr. Beighley breeds better growing rice we’ll have to redo our fertility program to make sure we hit those new yields,” he stated. “In time, we hope to have a continuous rice nitrogen management program, along with our partners in Arkansas and other states.” Δ
   BETTY VALLE GEGG-NAEGER: Senior Staff Writer, MidAmerica Farmer Grower 

Dr. Michael Aide, Professor at Southeast Missouri State University, leads a study on nitrogen fertilization programs to boost uptake and maintain high yields. Photo by John LaRose, Jr.