Agronomic strategies for improving rice protein quality through integrated nitrogen and water management under SRI
Madane Ananda Jagannath and J Bhavadheesh Varma
Rice is a staple food for more than half of the global
population, yet its protein quality remains a nutritional concern due to its
limited lysine content and overall low protein concentration. Agronomic
practices, particularly nitrogen (N) fertilization and irrigation management,
play a pivotal role in determining not only rice yield but also its nutritional
quality. This study investigates the impact of different irrigation regimes and
nitrogen levels on the protein content and amino acid profile of rice grains
under field conditions. Results indicate that moderate to high nitrogen
application significantly enhances total grain protein content, in grain (7.89
and 7.92%) and straw (4.04 and 4.12%) was recorded with scheduling of
irrigation at two days after disappearance of ponded water as compared to rest
of the irrigation scheduling during both the years Similarly, application of
100% RND + BGA recorded the maximum protein content and protein harvest over
the other treatment but remained at par with 100% RDN + Sesbania aculeata co-culture in respect of protein content but
significantly higher than 100% RDN alone treatment during both the years of
study The findings suggest that water and nitrogen management strategies can be
optimized to improve both yield and protein quality of rice, contributing to
nutritional security and sustainable rice cultivation. This study underscores the
importance of agronomic interventions in enhancing the functional quality of
rice grains beyond mere yield optimization.
Madane Ananda Jagannath, J Bhavadheesh Varma. Agronomic strategies for improving rice protein quality through integrated nitrogen and water management under SRI. Int J Res Agron 2025;8(6):11-13. DOI: 10.33545/2618060X.2025.v8.i6a.2988