Experimental validation of a new approach for rice fertiliser recommendations across smallholder farms in China
Fuqiang Yang A , Xinpeng Xu A B , Jinchuan Ma A , Ping He A C E , Mirasol F. Pampolino D and Wei Zhou A E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertiliser, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 100081 Beijing, China.
B Institute of Plant Nutrient and Resources, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, 100097 Beijing, China.
C International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) China Program, CAAS–IPNI Joint Lab for Plant Nutrition Innovation Research, 100081 Beijing, China.
D International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) Southeast Asia Program, PO Box 500 GPO, 10670 Penang, Malaysia.
E Corresponding authors. Email: phe@ipni.net, zhouwei02@caas.cn
Soil Research 55(6) 579-589 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR16328
Submitted: 10 January 2017 Accepted: 30 June 2017 Published: 18 August 2017
Abstract
Inappropriate fertiliser applications have caused a series of environmental problems and threaten the sustainable production of rice in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a new approach, Nutrient Expert (NE), a nutrient decision support tool for rice (Oryza sativa L.). Experimental validation was carried out under field conditions from 2013 to 2015 at 211 sites in the main rice-growing regions of China. The results showed that, compared with current farmers’ fertiliser practices (FP) and soil testing (ST), the NE approach balanced nutrient application – decreased the nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) rates, and increased the phosphorus (P) rate – and improved grain yield, nutrient uptake, and fertiliser use efficiency. The NE treatment produced a 3.5–6.3% higher grain yield, 2.3–14.2% higher N, P, and K uptake in aboveground plant dry matter, and higher agronomic efficiency, apparent recovery efficiency (RE), and partial factor productivity of applied N and K, but not for P. In particular, the RE of the NE approach was greater by 12.2 and 8.4 percentage points for N, 3.7 and 2.9 percentage points for P, and 16.3 and 6.4 percentage points for K, compared with FP and ST respectively. The results obtained from field validation suggested that the NE approach could predict target yields; nutrient uptake of N, P, and K within specific ranges; and could be used as a tool to make fertiliser recommendation for rice in China.
Additional keywords: fertiliser use efficiency, nutrient expert, soil test, yield.
References
Buresh RJ, Pampolino MF, Witt C (2010) Field specific potassium and phosphorus balances and fertilizer requirements for irrigated rice-based cropping systems. Plant and Soil 335, 35–64.| Field specific potassium and phosphorus balances and fertilizer requirements for irrigated rice-based cropping systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXhtFOrt77N&md5=df2ed3ff365be50911c46846a0c30da1CAS |
Cao N, Chen XP, Zhang FS, Qu D (2007) Prediction of the future demand for phosphate fertilizer based on the soil fertility changes in China. Acta Pedologica Sinica 44, 536–543.
Carter C, Zhong F, Zhu J (2012) Advances in Chinese agriculture and its global implications. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy 34, 1–36.
| Advances in Chinese agriculture and its global implications.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Chen XP, Cui ZL, Vitousek PM, Cassman KG, Matson PA, Bai JS, Meng QF, Hou P, Yue SC, Römheld V, Zhang FS (2011) Integrated soil-crop system management for food security. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 108, 6399–6404.
| Integrated soil-crop system management for food security.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXlt1Wrtb8%3D&md5=4e5662947fb78b91660609d87c07aa6eCAS |
Chinese Society of Soil Science (2000) ‘Methods of Soil and Plant Analysis.’ (China Agriculture Scientech Press: Beijing). [In Chinese]
Chuan LM, He P, Pampolino MF, Johnston AM, Jin JY, Xu XP, Zhao SC, Qiu SJ, Zhou W (2013) Establishing a scientific basis for fertilizer recommendations for wheat in China: yield response and agronomic efficiency. Field Crops Research 140, 1–8.
| Establishing a scientific basis for fertilizer recommendations for wheat in China: yield response and agronomic efficiency.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Deng JS, Zhang W, Zhu RS, Zhu CY, Chu YY, Li Y (2011) Rice phosphorus fertilizer recommendation system study based on soil available phosphorus. Xibei Nongye Xuebao 20, 81–84. [In Chinese]
Dobermann A, Cassman KG, Sta. Cruz PC, Neue HU, Skogley EO, Pampolino MF, Adviento MAA (1995) Dynamic soil test for rice. In ‘Fragile Lives in Fragile Ecosystems. Proceedings of the International Rice Research Conference.’ (Eds G Rothschild, RS Zeigler) pp. 343–365. (International Rice Research Institute: Los Bãnos)
Dobermann A, White PF (1998) Strategies for nutrient management in irrigated and rainfed lowland rice systems. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 53, 1–18.
| Strategies for nutrient management in irrigated and rainfed lowland rice systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Dobermann A, Witt C (2004) The evolution of site specific nutrient management in irrigated rice systems of Asia. In ‘Increasing productivity of intensive rice systems through site specific nutrient management.’ (Eds A Dobermann, C Witt, D Dawe) pp. 76–100. (International Rice Research Institute: Los Bãnos)
FAO (2014a). FAOSTAT Database. Available at http://faostat3.fao.org/browse/Q/QC/E [accessed 01 September 2016]
FAO (2014b). FAOSTAT Database. Available at http://faostat3.fao.org/browse/R/RF/E [accessed 01 September 2016]
Guo JH, Liu XJ, Zhang Y, Shen JL, Han WX, Zhang WF, Christie P, Goulding KWT, Vitousek PM, Zhang FS (2010) Significant acidification in major Chinese croplands. Science 327, 1008–1010.
| Significant acidification in major Chinese croplands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXitVSjtbg%3D&md5=ee7a05660dc144274b08f0637e686465CAS |
Haefele SM, Wopereis MCS, Ndiaye MK, Barro SE, Isselmou MO (2003) Internal nutrient efficiencies, fertilizer recovery rates and indigenous nutrient supply of irrigated lowland rice in Sahelian West Africa. Field Crops Research 80, 19–32.
| Internal nutrient efficiencies, fertilizer recovery rates and indigenous nutrient supply of irrigated lowland rice in Sahelian West Africa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
He P, Li ST, Jin JY, Wang HT, Li CJ, Wang YL, Cui RZ (2009) Performance of an optimized nutrient management system for double-cropped wheat–maize rotations in North-Central China. Agronomy Journal 101, 1489–1496.
| Performance of an optimized nutrient management system for double-cropped wheat–maize rotations in North-Central China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhsV2jtLvF&md5=4db912a63b86c624ff5875ecc23802a6CAS |
Janssen BH, Guiking FCT, van der Eijk D, Smaling EMA, Wolf J, van Reuler H (1990) A system for quantitative evaluation of the fertility of tropical soils (QUEFTS). Geoderma 46, 299–318.
| A system for quantitative evaluation of the fertility of tropical soils (QUEFTS).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ju XT, Xing GX, Chen XP, Zhang SL, Zhang LJ, Liu XJ, Cui ZL, Yin B, Christie P, Zhu ZL, Zhang FS (2009) Reducing environmental risk by improving N management in intensive Chinese agricultural systems. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 106, 3041–3046.
| Reducing environmental risk by improving N management in intensive Chinese agricultural systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXivFyqtbY%3D&md5=89237d70494fbb3d14bf1f84fb0bee1fCAS |
Li JP (2014) ‘Effect of returning cotton straw into soil on soil microbial and physico-chemical properties.’ M.D. Thesis. (Shandong Agricultural University: Tai’an, China). [In Chinese with English abstract]
Liu HL, Yang JY, Drury CF, Reynolds WD, Tan CS, Bai YL (2011a) Using the DSSAT–CERES-Maize model to simulate crop yield and nitrogen cycling in fields under long-term continuous maize production. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 89, 313–328.
| Using the DSSAT–CERES-Maize model to simulate crop yield and nitrogen cycling in fields under long-term continuous maize production.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXivFyku7g%3D&md5=a3a1806723ff6b8909adea87e33974f0CAS |
Liu XJ, Duan L, Mo JM, Du E, Shen JL, Lu XK, Zhang Y, Zhou XB, He C, Zhang FS (2011b) Nitrogen deposition and its ecological impact in China: an overview. Environmental Pollution 159, 2251–2264.
| Nitrogen deposition and its ecological impact in China: an overview.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXhtFeht7jL&md5=01ff8b0856db8f6e6451a3667b13da6eCAS |
Liu ZH, Li ZG, Tang PQ, Li ZP, Wu WB, Yang P, You LZ, Tang HJ (2013) Spatial-temporal changes of rice area and production in China during 1980–2010. Acta Geographica Sinica 68, 680–693. [In Chinese with English abstract]
Ma WQ, Li JH, Ma L, Wang FH, Sisák I, Cushman G, Zhang FS (2008) Nitrogen flow and use efficiency in production and utilization of wheat, rice, and maize in China. Agricultural Systems 99, 53–63.
| Nitrogen flow and use efficiency in production and utilization of wheat, rice, and maize in China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ma JC, He P, Xu XP, He WT, Liu YX, Yang FQ, Chen F, Li ST, Tu SH, Jin JY, Johnston AM, Zhou W (2016) Temporal and spatial changes in soil available phosphorus in China (1990–2012). Field Crops Research 192, 13–20.
| Temporal and spatial changes in soil available phosphorus in China (1990–2012).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
National Bureau of Statistics of China (2016). Available at http://data.stats.gov.cn/easyquery.htm?cn=C01 [accessed 20 August 2016]
Pampolino MF, Witt C, Pasuquin JM, Johnston A, Fisher MJ (2012) Development approach and evaluation of the Nutrient Expert software for nutrient management in cereal crops. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 88, 103–110.
| Development approach and evaluation of the Nutrient Expert software for nutrient management in cereal crops.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Peng SB, Huang JL, Zhong XH, Yang JC, Wang GH, Bu YB, Zhang FS, Zhu QS, Buresh R, Witt C (2002) Research strategy in improving fertilizer-nitrogen use efficiency of irrigated rice in China. Zhongguo Nong Ye Ke Xue 35, 1095–1103. [In Chinese with English abstract]
Qin JQ, Impa SM, Tang QY, Yang SH, Yang J, Tao YS, Jagadish KSV (2013) Integrated nutrient: water and other agronomic options to enhance rice grain yield and N use efficiency in double-season rice crop. Field Crops Research 148, 15–23.
| Integrated nutrient: water and other agronomic options to enhance rice grain yield and N use efficiency in double-season rice crop.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Rahn CR (2010) Environmental challenges of greenhouse vegetable production in China. In ‘Proceedings of First International Seminar of Chinese Agriculture-Saint Culture’. (Eds X Cai, Y Xue) pp. 22–32. (China Agricultural Science and Technology Press: Beijing)
Ru JX (2008) ‘The influencing factors of farmers’ fertilizer application behaviors.’ M.D. Thesis. (Zhejiang University: Hangzhou, China). [In Chinese with English abstract]
Smith LED, Siciliano G (2015) A comprehensive review of constraints to improved management of fertilizers in China and mitigation of diffuse water pollution from agriculture. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 209, 15–25.
| A comprehensive review of constraints to improved management of fertilizers in China and mitigation of diffuse water pollution from agriculture.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Uri ND (1997) Incorporating the environmental consequences in the fertilizer use decision. The Science of the Total Environment 201, 99–111.
| Incorporating the environmental consequences in the fertilizer use decision.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXkslWisrk%3D&md5=bde66b8b5087a9984a1fc61637d9e8d1CAS |
Wang WN (2014) ‘Evaluation fertilization effect and fertilizer recommendation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for rice at a regional scale.’ Ph.D. thesis. (Huazhong Agriculture University: Wuhan, China). [In Chinese with English abstract]
Witt C, Dobermann A, Abdulrachman S, Gines HC, Wang GH, Nagarajan R, Satawatananont S, Son TT, Tan PS, Tiem LV, Simbahan GC, Olk DC (1999) Internal nutrient efficiencies of irrigated lowland rice in tropical and subtropical Asia. Field Crops Research 63, 113–138.
| Internal nutrient efficiencies of irrigated lowland rice in tropical and subtropical Asia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Wopereis MCS, Donovan C, Nebié B, Guindo D, N’Diaye MK (1999) Soil fertility management in irrigated rice systems in the Sahel and Savanna regions of West Africa. Part I. Agronomic analysis. Field Crops Research 61, 125–145.
| Soil fertility management in irrigated rice systems in the Sahel and Savanna regions of West Africa. Part I. Agronomic analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Xu XP, He P, Qiu SJ, Pampolino MF, Zhao SC, Johnston AM, Zhou W (2014) Estimating a new approach of fertilizer recommendation across smallholder farms in China. Field Crops Research 163, 10–17.
| Estimating a new approach of fertilizer recommendation across smallholder farms in China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Xu XP, Xie JG, Hou YP, He P, Pampolino MF, Zhao SC, Qiu SJ, Johnston AM, Zhou W (2015) Estimating nutrient uptake requirements for rice in China. Field Crops Research 180, 37–45.
| Estimating nutrient uptake requirements for rice in China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Zhang FS, Wang JQ, Zhang WF, Cui ZL, Ma WQ, Chen XP, Jiang RF (2008) Nutrient use efficiencies of major cereal crops in China and measures for improvement. Acta Pedologica Sinica 45, 915–924. [In Chinese]
Zhang Y, Hou P, Gao Q, Chen XP, Zhang FS, Cui ZL (2012) On-farm estimation of nutrient requirements for spring corn in North China. Agronomy Journal 104, 1436–1442.
| On-farm estimation of nutrient requirements for spring corn in North China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38XhsVKhsbjL&md5=6e6928707c42d99f2bb71139108f0b3cCAS |
Zhu ZL (2003) Fertilizer management strategies for the harmonization of agriculture development with environment protection. Bulletin of the Chinese Academy of Sciences 2, 89–93. [In Chinese with English abstract]
