Managing nitrogen in rice

Summary

Nitrogen (N) is the most important nutrient in terms of quantity required to achieve high rice grain yields in southern NSW. The correct rate, timing and placement of N fertiliser enable efficient fertiliser use, high grain yield, water productivity and profitability.

Determining the amount of N to apply to a field is a complex decision with many interacting factors and few definitive answers. There is a balance between applying sufficient N to maximise yield potential and applying excess, which can increase the risk of lodging or reduce yield due to cold temperature sterility.

Topics include:

  • crop nitrogen requirements
  • permanent water (PW) nitrogen fertiliser requirements
  • late tillering nitrogen to address field variability
  • PI nitrogen application
  • pre-PW nitrogen requirements for other varieties
  • nitrogen efficiency
  • least efficient nitrogen application practices



Download

Primefact 22/619 Second Edition

Published: Jul 2023