Response of Upland Rice Genotypes to Nitrogen Fertilization

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients for upland rice production in Brazilian Oxisol soils. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years at the National Rice and Bean Research Centers Experimental Station Capivara with the objective to evaluate 10 promising genotypes of upland rice for N-use efficiency. The N rates used were 0 kg ha−1 (low) and 100 kg ha−1 (high). Plant height, shoot dry weight, grain yield, panicle number, and 1000-grain weight were significantly influenced by N and genotype treatments. Nitrogen × genotype interactions were not significant for most of the growth, yield, and yield components, indicating that differences among genotypes were consistent across N rates. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified as N efficient or inefficient. Among 10 genotypes, four genotypes were efficient and six were moderately efficient in N use in the first year. In the second year, three genotypes were efficient and seven were moderately efficient in N use. Genotype BRA 052015 was classified as efficient in N use in both the years. Grain harvest index and GYEI had significant linear relationships with grain yield.