Agronomic management of rice based cropping systems in sulfur deficient soils

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is grown under a range of hydrological regimes from the unflooded rainfed, through the rainfed and irrigated flooded, to the deep water and floating cultivation systems. It is the staple food for a large proportion of the world’s population. The geographic range of worldwide rice production is from the equator to the temperate areas of northern Japan and southern Australia and from sea level to attributes of more than 2500 m. The anaerobic soil environment created by flood irrigation of lowland rice creates a unique and challenging environment for the efficient management of soil and fertilizer nutrients. Supplying required essential nutrients in adequate rates, sources, application methods, and application times are important factors that influence the productivity and sustainability of rice.