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Examining Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Florida Rice

Agronomy & Pest Management

Matthew VanWeelden
Extension Agent III
UF/IFAS Extension Palm Beach County
BELLE GLADE

Abstract

Approximately 25,000 acres of flooded rice are grown on histosols in Florida’s Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). Relatively low available phosphorus (P) in histosols, in combination with rising fertilizer costs, highlights the need to identify rice cultivars compatible for these unique soil conditions. To address this issue, a study was conducted to identify rice cultivars suitable for production in low P agroecosystems. A small-plot trial was planted within commercial rice field, containing 45 rice cultivars. At harvest, composite soil samples were collected in addition to 10-15 mature rice plants per plot. Soil samples were analyzed for Mehlich-3 P, while plant tissue samples were analyzed for total P (TP). Tissue concentrations of P were compared among rice cultivars. Additionally, P use and uptake efficiency were assessed among the rice cultivars to identify those with the highest efficiency in utilizing and absorbing P from the soil. The P use efficiency index (PUEI) values across various rice cultivars showed that Titan and RU1902207 exhibited the highest PUEI values, at approximately 0.0295 and 0.0296 respectively, indicating superior efficiency in P use relative to other cultivars. On the lower end, 19T-238-13 has one of the lowest PUEI values at about 0.0165. Notably, cultivars such as Diamond and RU2102158 also demonstrate high PUEI, both exceeding 0.0285, suggesting these cultivars might be better suited for conditions where P availability is a limiting factor. This result provides valuable insights into the genetic variability of P use efficiency among rice cultivars, which could be critical for enhancing crop performance in P-limited soils.

Authors: Matthew VanWeelden, Jehangir Bhadha, Noel Manirakiza, Suraj Melkani
  1. Matthew VanWeelden Extension Agent III, University of Florida, Florida, 33430
  2. Jehangir Bhadha Associate Professor, University of Florida , Florida, 33430
  3. Noel Manirakiza Graduate Research Assistant , University of Florida , Florida, 33430
  4. Suraj Melkani Graduate Research Assistant , University of Florida , Florida, 33430