Solar Energy Affects Sustainability and Yield in Rice Cultivation

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the Federal University of Agriculture have found that optimal plant spacing for rice cultivation is crucial to maximize yield and energy conversion efficiency while minimizing resource use and environmental impact. The study, published in the Agricultura journal, examined the effects of different plant spacings on the growth, yield, and energy conversion efficiency of three rice varieties over three years. The findings suggest that careful consideration of plant spacing can significantly affect the sustainability and yield of rice cultivation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with three replicates and examined the effects of three different plant spacings (20 x 20 cm, 25 x 25 cm, and 30 x 30 cm) on the growth, yield, and energy conversion efficiency of three rice varieties (ARICA-3, NERICA L-34, and WITA-4).
  • The study found that optimal plant spacing for the three varieties in terms of energy conversion efficiency was 30 x 30 cm, with NERICA L-34 having the highest energy conversion efficiency value of 7.3% at a plant spacing of 30 x 30 cm.
  • The crop growth rate ranged from 1.33 to 1.66 mgcm-2days-1 for the varieties and plant spacings, and photosynthetically active radiation ranged from 15.5 to 18.5 MJm-2day-1.
  • The harvest index decreased as plant spacing increased, whereas energy conversion efficiency values and grain yield values increased.
  • The NERICA L-34 variety had the highest grain yield of 4.5 t/ha at a plant spacing of 20 x 20 cm.
  • The study suggests that optimal plant spacing for rice cultivation should be carefully considered to maximize yield and energy conversion efficiency while minimizing resource use and environmental impact.

Statistics:

  • Energy conversion efficiency (CE) value of NERICA L-34: 7.3%
  • Crop growth rate: 1.33-1.66 mgcm-2days-1
  • Photosynthetically active radiation: 15.5-18.5 MJm-2day-1
  • Harvest index: decreased as plant spacing increased
  • Grain yield: 4.5 t/ha for NERICA L-34 at a plant spacing of 20 x 20 cm

Sources:

  • Growth, Yield And Radiation Energy Conversion Efficiency on Varieties And Plant Population of Lowland Rice. Agricultura, 2025,134(1-2):110-121.
  • http://journals.usamvcluj.ro/index.php/agricultura/index (Agricultura)
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.15835/agr.v134i1-2.15079 (free version of the journal article)