The study looked at different types of nitrogen fertilizer for growing rice in South China. They found that using slow-release fertilizer at a depth of 6 cm increased grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency compared to traditional urea fertilizer. The slow-release fertilizer led to more productive panicles, higher nitrogen recovery efficiency, and better plant growth. It also improved enzyme activity and reduced oxidative stress in the plants. This method could be a better way to manage nitrogen fertilizer for higher rice yields in South China.