Productivity, sulfur dynamics and sustainable management for rice-maize (Oryza sativa L -Zea mays L.) as compared to rice-rice cropping patterns
2008
Su Su Win
The yields of rice and maize as measured in a 15-yr-old experiment were compared with yield potential as determined with crop models and long-term climate data to assess the relative productivity and sustainability of rice-rice and rice-maize cropping systems. The measured yields of rice and maize, expressed as a percentage of yield potential, were comparable for rice-rice and rice-maize cropping during 15 years provided crops were well-managed and adequately fertilized. The loss of soil organic matter upon conversion from rice-rice to rice-maize might reduce the ability of soil to supply nutrients, particularly sulphur. Three experiments were conducted in a growth chamber specific for 35 S-tracer research to assess the effect of alternating between flooded soil for rice and non-flooded soil for maize on the fractions and availability of soil sulphur. The C-bonded S fraction increased during rice cropping on flooded soil, whereas sulphate was greater during non-flooded soil conditions with maize cropping. The ester sulphate fraction could provide an important reserve for soil sulphur for subsequent crops. Diversification from rice-rice to rice-maize requires proper management practices with well-balanced fertilization of N and S to ensure sustainable production of sufficient food and feed.
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