Effects of Winter Green Manure Incorporation on Grain Yield, Nitrogen Uptake, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Different Ratoon Rice Varieties

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of winter green manure incorporation on grain yield, nitrogen uptake, and use efficiency in ratoon rice production. A two-year field experiment (2019–2021) was conducted using a split-plot design, with main plots comprising three cropping systems: fallow–ratoon rice (FA), rapeseed–ratoon rice (RA), and milk vetch–ratoon rice (MV). In the RA and MV systems, green manures were incorporated in situ, while subplots featured two ratoon rice varieties (Yliangyou 911, YLY911; Liangyou 6326, LY6326). Compared to FA treatment, RA and MV treatments significantly increased main crop yields by 16.37% and 9.31%, respectively, with corresponding annual total yield improvements of 11.34% and 7.78%. Under RA treatment, LY6326 achieved significantly higher yields than YLY911. Biomass accumulation analysis revealed that RA and MV treatments enhanced plant dry matter by 24.40% and 5.63% at heading stage, and 9.83% and 7.47% at maturity, respectively, relative to FA treatment. Green manure incorporation improved plant nitrogen content at maturity (9.42% and 10.29% for RA and MV, respectively) and panicle nitrogen accumulation (11.73% and 38.26%, respectively) compared to fallow treatment. Nitrogen use efficiency metrics demonstrated that RA and MV treatments enhanced nitrogen harvest index by 1.54% and 5.65%, respectively, while nitrogen partial factor productivity increased by 11.34% and 7.78%. Varietal comparison confirmed that LY6326 exhibited superior nitrogen accumulation and utilization compared to YLY911. These findings demonstrate that winter green manure incorporation significantly enhances grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency in ratoon rice systems, providing a scientific foundation for developing sustainable and productive rice cropping practices.