No-tillage hybrid rice farming maintains high yields and reduces nitrogen requirements.
Hybrid rice grown with single seedlings was studied to see if no-tillage practices affect grain yield and nitrogen needs. The experiment lasted from 2004 to 2014 in China. Results showed that there were no significant differences in grain yield or nitrogen requirements between conventional tillage and no-tillage. On average, grain yield was around 9.5 tons per hectare and nitrogen requirements were about 20 kg per ton under both practices. Yearly variations were observed, with grain yield linked to changes in spikelet number, grain weight, biomass, and harvest index. Higher grain yield was associated with better nitrogen use efficiency but lower nitrogen requirements. In conclusion, hybrid rice grown with single seedlings is not negatively impacted by no-tillage, and can achieve high yield and efficient nitrogen use.