Leaf Color Chart for Effective Nitrogen Management in Rice
Asian farmers generally apply fertilizer N in a series of split applications, but the number of splits, amount of N applied per split, and the time of applications vary substantially. The apparent flexibility of rice farmers in adjusting the time and amount of fertilizer application offers potential to synchronize N application with the real-time demand of the rice crop. Improved N management and balanced P and K fertilization are key components of the site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) approach developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in partnership with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems in Asia (see www.knowledgebank.irri.org/ssnm and Rice Pocket Guide).
Leaf color charts (LCC) offer substantial opportunities for farmers to estimate plant nitrogen (N) demand in real time for efficient fertilizer use and high rice yields. Scientists at IRRI in collaboration with the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) developed a new, standardized LCC based on the actual colors of rice leaves from Asian cultivars. The new chart and updated guidelines for its use are promoted in many Asian countries through the Irrigated Rice Research Consortium (www.irri.org/irrc).
The new 4-panel LCC for rice developed by IRRI in collaboration with UCCE (left). The same chart might also be a useful tool in maize ( pictured at right).
Source:
C. Witt, J. M. C. A. Pasuquin, R. Mutters, and R. J. Buresh. 2005. New leaf color chart for effective nitrogen management in rice. Better Crops 89-1:36-39.
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