Effect of Application Time and Rate of Mixed Expeller Cake on Soil Environment and Rice Quality

This study was carried out to investigate the optimal application rate and time of mixed expeller cake (MEC) for the replacement of chemical fertilizer. Dongjin-1, as cultivated rice was used at Fluvio-marine deposit in Honam plain paddy field. Soil chemical properties were improved by the application of MEC. Contents of total nitrogen and organic matter were higher in 70%, 100% plots of basal dressing than standard fertilizer application (SFA) plot. Cation exchangeable capacity was highly increased in 70% plot of basal dressing. Also, the content of organic matter in soil was increased with MEC application. Cation exchangeable capacity, total nitrogen and available phosphate were decreased according to late application time. The content of inorganic nitrogen in soil showed high tendency at more application rate of MEC, and nitrogen mineralization at harvest season have finished in 50%, 70% plots of basal dressing. The content of inorganic nitrogen in soil was increased according to late application time, however it was decreased in the late period of growth. Leaf color value became darker with increased application rate of MEC. Leaf color was dark green in MEC application plots at panicle formation stage, on the other hand, it was light green in 50, 70% plots of basal dressing at heading stage. SPAD reading value of leaf-color was high during the whole growth stage in MEC application plots. More application rate of MEC showed higher tendency of fertilizer nitrogen absorption. Nitrogen use efficiency was the highest in 70% plot of basal dressing. Absorbed amount of fertilized nitrogen was increased in 10~15days before transplanting and nitrogen use efficiency was high according to the late application time. The ratio of perfect kernel and the content of protein on hulled rice showed high tendency at the less application rate of MEC. The ratio of head rice on milled rice showed high tendency at the less application rate of MEC. Rice yield increased 4% in 100% and 70% plots of basal dressing compare with SFA (5.18 Mg ha-¹) plot respectively. Ear and culm length of rice were long according to the late application time, while the numbers of spikelet and ear were increased and the percentage of ripened grain was decreased. Rice yield was increased 2~5% in all MEC application plots compared to SFA plot and especially, increased 10~15days before transplanting in application plots. The optimal application rate and time of MEC on normal paddy field in plain were concluded that 70% basal dressing and 10~15days before transplanting.