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Nitrogen supply under mulched drip irrigation increases the rice yield by improving the photosynthetic nitrogen distribution strategy and promoting biomass accumulation

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  • Zhao, Lei
  • Wang, Guodong
  • Tang, Qingyun
  • Song, Zhiwen
  • Luo, Honghai
  • Li, Yuxiang

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) application can significantly regulate the N distribution strategy of crop leaf photosynthesis to optimize photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNUE) and yield, but its effects on PNUE in drip-irrigated rice and its relationship with yield formation remain unclear. We hypothesize that water–fertilizer integration can improve the leaf photosynthetic N distribution strategy and whole-plant biomass accumulation through precise N fertilizer supply to improve water use efficiency while ensuring yield in drip-irrigated rice. A two-year field experiment was conducted in 2021–2022 using two rice varieties with different degrees of drought resistance (T-43 and Liangxiang 3) with two irrigation methods (FI, traditional flood irrigation; DI, mulched drip irrigation) and four N application levels (0, 150, 300, and 450 kg·ha−1). Flag leaf traits, N distribution, PNUE and rice yield were assessed. The N distribution ratios in the carboxylation system (Pc), light-harvesting components (PL), PNUE and spike biomass in T-43 and LX-3 rice were 32.3–109.1 %, 22.7–152.7 %, 18.9–69.6 % and 35.1–93.7 % lower under DI than FI; the two-year mean leaf area, specific leaf weight, N content per unit mass and N content per unit area were 1.3 % and 1.6 %, 17.3 % and 9.2 %, 7.6 % and 24.5 %, 32.7 % and 45.1 % higher under DI than FI. Finally, the maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pmax) and yield of T-43 did not significantly differ between FI and DI. Under both irrigation methods, the mean chlorophyll content, PL, Pmax, maximum electron transport rate (Jmax), PNUE, spike biomass and yield of T-43 were highest under 300 kg·ha−1 N. Under DI (10,200 m3·ha−1), selecting drought-resistant rice (T-43) and applying 300 kg·ha−1 N fertilizer increased the specific leaf weight, leaf chlorophyll content, Pc and PL to increase PNUE and material accumulation, thereby increasing yield, representing an effective management strategy for improving productivity and water use in drip-irrigated rice in arid areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Lei & Wang, Guodong & Tang, Qingyun & Song, Zhiwen & Luo, Honghai & Li, Yuxiang, 2025. "Nitrogen supply under mulched drip irrigation increases the rice yield by improving the photosynthetic nitrogen distribution strategy and promoting biomass accumulation," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:320:y:2025:i:c:s0378377425005530
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2025.109839
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    References listed on IDEAS

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