Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
2
Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Guilan, Rasht, Guilan, Iran
3
Soil and Water Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
4
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
Abstract
Integrating Soil Test-Based Nutrient Management with Seed Treatment Using a Nutrient Solution to Reduce Yield Gaps in Rice Fields. This study was conducted during the 2022–2023 cropping season to evaluate the effect of seed treatment with a nutrient solution on the yield of Hashemi rice using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in the rice fields of Sanger district, Rasht County. Using GIS software, 11,370 hectares of paddy fields were mapped, and soil samples were collected from 138 uniformly distributed farms. Results showed differences in soil fertility levels. Nine farms with varying levels of organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and potassium were selected. To determine the treatments, three seed types farmer-saved seeds and certified seeds (with and without nutrient solution treatment) were evaluated in the lab based on germination indices. The best-performing treatments were selected for field cultivation. Results revealed that the average germination rate of farmer-saved seeds was low at 53.67%, making them unsuitable for seedling production. However, the germination rate reached 98% in the nutrient-treated seed group, showing significant improvement of 8% and 44% compared to certified and farmer-saved seeds, respectively. Therefore, the field experiment was conducted on the nine selected farms with two treatments: certified seeds with and without nutrient solution treatment. Results indicated that the seed treatment with nutrient solution combined with soil test-based nutrient management significantly increased paddy yield by 480 kg/ha, presenting a promising approach for rice farmers.
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