Time Frame
Goal
and objectives
The
goal of the project is to evaluate the new, promising approach of lowland rice production with covered soil surfaces (GCRPS) in order to save water without depression of rice yields. At the same time it seeks to improve collaboration in agricultural sciences in order to adapt internationally approved scientific methods for assessing exact water and fertilizer balances as well as trace gas emissions from this production system. Specific objectives are:
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Develop or adapt GCRPS production techniques for lowland rice production at high yield level. |
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Improve nutrient and water management practices for increased efficiency and reduced trace gas emissions (CH4 and N20). |
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Assess status and problems in nitrogen and trace element nutrition and develop farm-adapted fertilization strategies. |
Methodology
The
project is based on three almost identical field experiments carried out along the regional/climatic gradient. Complementary to the central experiments, each participating group has additional experiments/subjects of regional ecological relevance. Each of the main experiments comprises:
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Agronomic evaluation: yield, yield components, time course of crop development. |
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Water balance study: precipitation, irrigation vs. evaporation, transpiration, drainage and (if applicable) run-off. |
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Fertilizer (N) balance: conventional nitrogen balance and 15N experiment. |
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Trace gas emission study: CH4 and N20 emission study by closed-chamber - GC. |
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Trace element nutrition: trace element content. |
Project location(s)
China:
Three locations in three of the relevant rice production zones of China (Beijing, Nanjing Guangzhou); Partners
(in full)
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