Nitrogen-Use Efficiency in Lowland Rice Genotypes under Field Conditions

Rice is staple food for more than 50% of the world's population. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients for lowland rice production around the world. Two field experiments were conducted at two locations for two consecutive years to evaluate N-use efficiency of 12 lowland rice genotypes. Growth, grain yield, and yield components were significantly influenced by N as well as genotype treatments. Locationxyearxgenotype and locationxyearxN interactions were significant for most of the growth, yield, and yield components, indicating influence of these factors on yield and yield components. Overall, the most N-efficient genotypes measured in terms of grain yield were BRA 031032, BRA 031044, and BRA 02654 and the most inefficient genotypes were BRS Jacana, BRS Fronteira, and BRA 02674. Genotypes had linear and quadratic responses to added N in the range of 0 to 200 kg ha(-1). Nitrogen significantly influenced plant height, shoot dry weight, panicle number, and 1000-grain weights. Nitrogen-use efficiency (kg grain per kg N applied) varied from 33 to 49 kg grain per kg N applied, with an average value of 40 kg grain per kg N applied. The genotype BRA 031044 produced the greatest N-use efficiency, and the lowest N-use efficient genotype was BRS Fronteira. There was a significant linear association between N-use efficiency and grain yield.