THE IMPACT OF WATER MANAGEMENT ON IRON TOXICITY IN FLOODED RICE

Iron toxicity is recognized as the most widely distributed nutritional disorder in flooded and irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.), derived from the excessive amounts of ferrous ions (Fe2+) generated by the reduction of iron oxides. The effects of water management on the redox potential of a flooded Albaqualf soil and on iron toxicity symptoms in rice were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications, and consisted of five water management: T1 - Beginning of flooding in the stage V2-V3; T2 - Beginning of flooding in the stage V6-V7; T3 - as T1 and drainage in the stage V10-V11; T4 - T2 and drainage in the stage V10-V11; and T5 - T1 and drainages in the stage V7-V8 and V10-V11. The delay of flooding until V6-V7 maintained a higher potential of the soil resulting in less available Fe and shifting the maximum Fe release in soil solution to later stages of rice growth. Draining throughout the rice vegetative growth promoted soil re-oxidation, which increase the redox potential and decrease Fe concentration in the soil solution. The use of repeated drainages during the vegetative growth was efficient to control Fe toxicity in rice grown in flooded soil.