Polyolefin‐Coated Urea Decreases Ammonia Volatilization in a Double Rice System of Southern China. (1st January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Minggang; Li, Dongchu; Li, Jumei; Qin, Daozhu; Hosen, Yasukazu; Shen, Huaping; Cong, Rihuan; He, Xinhua
• Is Part Of: Agronomy Journal. Volume 105:Number 1(2013)
• Page Start: 277
• Page End: 284
• Publication Date: 2013-01-01
• Subjects: Agronomy -- Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.2134/agronj2012.0222
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-1962

Abstract

Abstract : Field evaluations of slow‐release N fertilizers are needed to improve N use efficiency while reducing NH3 volatilization. Ammonia volatilization losses, floodwater NH4 +, and aboveground rice ( Oryza sativa L.) tissue N accumulation were compared between non‐coated urea (NCU) and polyolefin‐coated urea (POCU) applications in a double‐rice production system of subtropical China. A factorial treatment design included two urea sources such as POCU and NCU applied at 75 and 150 kg N ha −1, and a no‐N control. For early and late rice seasons, floodwater NH4 + and pH increased significantly within 7 to 10 d after NCU applications and then decreased rapidly. Nitrogen losses through NH3 volatilization accounted for 16 to 30% and 4 to 8% of the total N applied for NCU and POCU, respectively. Applications of POCU significantly increased N accumulation in aboveground rice biomass due to a slower N release and better synchrony between in‐season rice N demand and N supply from this fertilizer. Applications of POCU at a rate of 75 kg N ha −1 provided the optimal amounts of N for early and late rice crops and reduced NH3 volatilization losses. The use of slow release urea fertilizers should increase N use efficiency and maintain the high grain yield in the double rice production systems of subtropical China.